It's Time for Another Nostalgic Sunday!
Lately I've been thinking about my age, (I just can't be that old!) and the wedding anniversary coming up for The Ronald and me in February. (Can it really be 30 years?!) And during all these years of marriage, we've had three dogs (not all at the same time!) who quickly became part of our family.
First, there was Rocky. (1983) We got him when he was just a pup, a mixed-breed. As I wrote in a story about him, I said he was "part Gordon Setter and part some kind of big dog."
Rocky lived to be about 14 years old and I was so sad when we had to say good-bye to him. I didn't even want to think about getting another dog for at least six months,
but a month later we brought Tiger (Gal) home from the Humane Society. She was 6 months old and we fell in love with her, partly because she resembled Rocky so much.
(Tiger: January 2009)
Tiger was such a sweet companion. I worked from home most of those years and was even more attached to her than I had been to Rocky. When we had to say good-bye to her a couple of weeks before Christmas in 2010, I was devastated. I couldn't even think about getting another dog, yet I knew we would someday because our home was empty without a beloved pet.
On March 12, 2011 we brought home our newest family member: Vern!
Vern is a Lab Mix and is the sweetest, smartest dog. He has a real personality & we get such a kick out of him. (As you can see, I've always preferred larger mixed-breeds, bi-colors, and with long noses!) And we've always been so fortunate to have good, healthy, well behaved dogs, who lived long lives. We adopted Vern from the Humane Society when he was almost 10 years old, and we obviously hope he has many more good years ahead.
“You can say any fool thing to a dog and the dog will just give you this look that says, 'My GOSH, you're RIGHT! I NEVER would've thought of that!” -- Dave Barry
“Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” -- Dean Koontz, False Memory
Yes, dogs and cats have a way of carving a place in our hearts and once they're gone, that spot can't be exactly filled by another pet.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, we have plenty of room in our heart for many pets throughout our life...
What amazing pets. I don't know what I'm going to do when I lose my pets. They are just such wonderful creatures.
ReplyDeleteI have been here long enough to remember when you got the dogs! Glad they are okay Becky. It is so hard to lose a loved one - fur or real! lol
ReplyDeleteLove, sandie
Hi Sioux, Clarissa, and Sandie! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting! Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to the "big dog love". I grew up with German Shepherds and then a Collie. Unfortunately I ended up becoming allergic to dogs as I got older. :(
ReplyDeletesandy
Lovely dogs, Becky. I miss having a dog, but wonder if a new dog could live up to the reputations of those who preceded him in this house? What if I got a naughty dog...I am too old to deal with a naughty dog. The desire is still there...I even have a name for my next dog...it came to me lately...BISCUIT...I wonder where Biscuit is right now?
ReplyDeleteOh, so hot out already this morning...green beans cooking and baking onions for lunch later. Have a good Sunday.
Aw. You know how I love dogs. I've had many during my marriage, and I remember them all fondly. May Vern have a long and happy life.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sandy! How sad to become allergic! Do you have lots of stuffed companions around?! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia, I love the name Biscuit! And I understand your apprehension about getting another dog..and especially living up to expectations! We certainly have been fortunate!
What a wonderful glimpse at all of your sweet doggies! Can you believe Cooper is my first dog? Now I don't know what I'd do without him!
ReplyDeleteThe first dog we got our kids came from the Humane Society. He was the runt of the litter (I picked him for that reason), and a Lab/Beagle mix with the coloring of a chocolate lab. He lived 13 years, and has been gone a little more than a year. He was a loyal companion to the end. I told the boys not to be sad for him. He lived like a king here on our 20 acres, running free, with two canine companions.
ReplyDeleteHi Janel! I never had a pet as a child...well, I did have goldfish...but heck they don't count! I never pictured myself as a dog owner, but I'm so glad I am! Coop is adorable, too!
ReplyDeleteHey Val! We were told that Vern is a Lab/Beagle mix! I don't really "see" that in him. Do you? And I understand about not being sad FOR the dog....I'm always sad for ME!
Enjoyed the pet history!
ReplyDelete=)
Becky,
ReplyDeleteVern looks more Labbish to me. Unless maybe the markings on his face are a bit Beagley. (Sorry, Vern, if you have started to gray and that's what the markings are all about!) Vern looks like a big fellow. Our dog was shaped like a Beagle, but mid-sized. He had a voracious hound-like appetite, though.
Come join our cause for Zoe, I deeply appreciate this.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dogs & yes! they do agree with us on anything, don't they.
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon
I couldn't agree with you more, Becky! Our critters most definitely leave pawprints on our hearts.
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Thanks, Sue, Val, Marydon and Pat!
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