Dogs
“Before you get a dog, you can’t quite imagine what living with one might be like, afterward, you can’t imagine living any other way.”
It had been nearly 37 years since we were without a dog in our home. When Lilly passed away this spring, it was not only sad to lose her, but the end of a chapter in our family. Our previous 4 dogs had been a part of our young family—growing from a couple to children.
Abigail was our first pup, my Christmas gift the year Mark and I were married. She was a rescue from the Oregon Humane Society. She not only took to nibbling my new wedding ring but a nibble from my heart. Six months later we added Molly, Abi’s quiet counterpart. The early days of being a married couple afforded us weekend getaways to the beach. Their favorite sandy place to run.
Welcoming our sons to our family meant we were a full house. Caring for animals in our home meant sharing our hearts. A cuddle when needed, the joy of playing ball or going on a walk—extra work, but worth the effort juggling schedules and needs. As Abi and Molly grew in age, becoming ladies of leisure, the boys asked for a puppy. One that could once again go on walks and enjoy our new lifestyle at Belle Flower Farm.
We adopted Jack without so much as a second thought. An exuberant bundle of white fur. His addition meant we not only had a puppy but 2 geriatric girls as well. Life was full—full of kid activities & aging parents, settling into our home & developing gardens, businesses & volunteer work—and of course all things dogs.
With the loss of Abigail & Molly, both nearly 20 years old, we knew we wanted to add another pup. We couldn’t “imagine living any other way.” Another Christmas, 20 years after that first Christmas, I opened the door and Mark was holding a sweet 3 pound Cairn. Merry Christmas! Jack & Lilly were quite a duo. Best friends to each other & to our sons. Again, the swirl of activity…again, a life well-lived.
Now it is Mark and I again, and we missed “living” with a pup. A home that missed the joy of a wagging tail, play catch, a companion to join me as I garden and in the studio, see what was ripe for the eating in the veggie garden or curling up in front of the fire.
We are overjoyed to welcome our new guy, Henry!
A new chapter in our marriage & family—we couldn’t imagine it any other way.
