Puppies, dogs, fur babies—they make my heart happy. I can’t help but smile when I see a dog. Last week, on my way into aerial yoga, I saw a lady with a carrier over her shoulder and noticed an adorable furry face looking out at me. And I smiled. When I’m walking downtown and notice a puppy, I just can’t stop myself from grinning. And I absolutely love watching other pet parents drop off and pick up their fur babies when I take Maddie to day camp.
I think dogs are one of God’s greatest gifts to us. I know that my fur babies have helped me more than I ever realized they would…
Our First Puppy
My hubby and I got our first puppy in 2000. I was so nervous because I knew getting a dog would change our relationship. It would no longer be just the two of us. Plus, the responsibility of a dog seemed like a lot… But, Dane absolutely loves animals, especially dogs, and he really, really wanted a puppy. So, on Valentine’s Day, we drove out to Rialto, CA to see about a 9-month-old, male, chocolate brown Pomeranian. Mind you, I wanted a red, female, only a few weeks old. But, this 9-month-old boy was what we could afford.
Well, we fell in love with that chocolate Pom immediately and went to the ATM to get the $150 his owner was asking. Luckily, she also gave us some food, a collar, and a leash because we were completely unprepared to bring our first fur baby home! On our drive back to LA, we decided on the name Valentine. Fitting since it was Valentine’s Day and he was chocolate brown.
Our Valentine
That night, we got Valentine all set up in the bathroom with a blanket, food, and water. We had decided that we didn’t want him to sleep with us. Well, Valentine had a different idea. After what seemed like at least an hour of him barking and whining and whimpering (although it might have only been 5 minutes), my hubby said we were going to have to put him in bed with us. So, we did and he slept there at our feet every night until he crossed that Rainbow Bridge at 13 years old.
After he was gone, I remember carefully getting out of bed one morning to avoid kicking him, only to remember that our little boy was no longer with us….
I know, I know! No tears on Good Things Monday!
The most amazing dog…
I think dogs are one of God’s greatest gifts to us.
Valentine was the most amazing dog. He was regal, well-behaved (except for hiking his leg at Mammo’s to show that he wasn’t happy that Mommy & Daddy had left), and never barked, as long as he was with us. He loved me so unconditionally and sat by my side, quietly giving comfort as I struggled through ten years of infertility.
His picture is still on my nightstand, his ashes are in our snug, and Maddie uses his water bowl and blanket. He was a special, special gift from God and I am so grateful that I got to be his Mama.
I still need to tell you about Prancer, and you are getting to know Maddie through my Not So Mommy… Dog Mom blogs. But today, I wanted you to meet our Valentine (who my hubby knicknamed “Boo-Boo”). He is not just a good thing; he is one of the BEST things that has ever happened in my life! I will be eternally grateful that he is what we could afford… ?
So, go hug your fur babies! They are most definitely a good thing….
Fabulous one, tell us about your fur babies in the comments!
2 comments
Valentine was one of a kind. I agree with you, that they are angels sent from Heaven above for only a short time, but one of the greatest gifts!
My only wish is that God would allow them to stay with us for just a bit longer…