Tender Mercies Tuesday- Our Dogs.

Edited to note:  Both of our dogs came to us in special circumstances.

I think you all realize how beloved our little Miss Spoiled Rotten is.  Last night and today, there were a few moments that just made my heart so happy- it really is like she is one of my patients.  I was on the phone with one of my many sister-in-laws, and I walked into the front room to find Miss Sophie flat on her back with her goose in her mouth, across and covering her whole face- she looked like she was asleep that way!  Anyway-  my movement caused her to move before I could take a picture :(-  but trust me-  one of the funniest moments ever.

I love it when she comes in from outside duties and waits for her treat.  And follows you around forever- or at least until she decides you really are going to be stingy. I love that she has her trot, her prance, and her major swagger.  I love that she comes and digs at my leg to get me to let her sit on my lap while I work, and then she settles in with a giant sigh.  I love that she attacks the blow dryer when we are drying her, but she will come and sit right under me while I blow dry mine. Almost like she is giving me moral support for having to deal with that awful thing. She makes us all smile many times a day.

What some don't know is that Miss Sophie had a predecessor. Her name was Taffey. She was an American Eskimo/ Blond Cocker Spaniel mix.  She was a great dog and severely attached to us.  So attached, that if we left her behind, she would cause damage to carpeting or other stuff.  We loved Taffey a lot- and as a matter of fact, Oldest has never forgotten her and he was only 3 when we lost her. Taffey disappeared while we were on a trip to Mexico for a family reunion. We had left her in Cougar Town while we were gone and she ran away. It was a tough deal for us. She was our "First Child", and we had had her for 11 years. The DR spent hours looking for her the night we got back to Cougar Town, but we had to go home in the morning.  Our BIL spent a lot of time looking for her at the animal shelters.  I spent a week out in Cougar Town visiting vets and pounds, driving around looking into yards. It was years before I quit looking for her by habit every time we went out there. I expected her to greet me when I got home and to be under my feet when I sat down at the table.

It was 5 years before we opened our hearts back up to a furry family member.  And not to worry anyone, because it was just a reflective mood I was in earlier today-  but I thought as I watched her look out the window as the DR left for work, how heartsick I am going to be when Miss Sophie is no longer with us.  It is one of the main reasons one of my BIL's had for never getting an animal. 

But just think of all the warm feet and soft fur we would have missed out on- not to mention the love in return.