We took her to see the movie, "Marley & Me". Let me just say that it was a tear-jerker! I did fine for about the first 30 mins. or so, but then the tears started flowing! There were so many scenes in the movie that I could relate to. If you're a dog lover, you can completely understand the emotions involved. When you open your heart and your home to one of these loving beings, you are forever transformed. If you haven't seen the movie, please do...it's so touching!
I got my first dog when I was about 9 years old. My best friend knew of someone who's dog had puppies that they were giving away. I begged my dad to let me have one. He warned my mom and I both that puppies are always sweet, but they can grow up to be big dogs. After much thought and my continual pleading, Dad finally caved in. We brought Bobo home and he was a plump little thing with lots and lots of energy. Dad was so right, he grew to be a big dog in what seemed to be overnight. Before we knew it, he was jumping our backyard fence! He was half Collie and half German Shepherd, so he ate a huge amount of food.
He seemed to have a stomach of steel. We would toss him whole baked potatoes and he's swallow them without even chewing! He was like a canine garbage disposal. Would you believe that he even ate fish bones? Now, I, of course know that you should never give your dog fish bones, but Bobo was able to handle them, some way, somehow! We never quite understood it! Cheetos were his favorite!
Bobo was a roamer. He'd go out for several days, then come back long enough to get a quick meal, then he'd be off, again. There's no telling how many puppies he fathered! Shameful, I know! I remember looking out our backdoor and seeing about 5 puppies in our backyard that looked JUST LIKE Bobo! We came home from a trip one time and opened the outdoor storage room where he slept. Out trotted a tiny poodle, followed by Bobo, who had his head hanging low from embarrassment. I guess he was more of a lover, than a fighter. :) All I know for sure is that I loved Bobo a lot. I shared many things with him over the years and he was my constant companion who'll always hold a special place in my heart.
Here's a photo of Bobo...
And another one of him with Mom and I.
We had to give Bobo away when we moved to another area because we didn't have the room to keep him. I didn't want to let him go, but I knew it was for the best.
I didn't get another dog until after Chris and I got married. We got a Shih-Tzu that we named Gizmo. Remember the movie "Gremlins"? He made us think of the one named Gizmo when we first saw him, so that's how he got his name. We had him for 14 wonderful years. I grew very close to him in a short amount of time. He became my little shadow. Anywhere I went, he'd be right on my heels. I think he prepared us for becoming parents. He taught us patience, understanding, and unconditional love.
I still recall when my mom was dying in the hospital back in 2000. I had traveled from Alabama to Arkansas to be with her, and Gizmo came along. I didn't want to be alone in the hotel room at night, so he was a great companion to me. I remember walking in my room at the end of a long day at the hospital to find him wagging his tail for me. He'd hop up on the bed at night with me and curl up next to me. You can't imagine the comfort he gave me during that difficult time in my life.
Gizmo passed away a year or so later. His poor ol' body just gave out. That was such a hard thing to have to put him down. Chris and I went in the room to be with him, but I soon decided I couldn't bare watching the process take hold, so I left the room. Poor Chris had to deal with that on his own, but he understood. It was a very sad day, but we made a decision that was best for him. There is no doubt that Gizmo left an indelible impression on my heart forever. I will never forget him and the love he gave me and our family.
Here's Gizmo and Brittany...
He was having a very bad hair day...
This was the first time his lips got to touch and taste a Krispy Kreme doughnut...he was hooked immediately!
Now, of course, we have Maddie and Bella in our lives and we're so very fortunate. We love them dearly! I know that I will always have a dog...I can't imagine life any other way.
Have you ever heard the poem entitled "Beau" written by Jimmy Stewart? I, actually, have a framed version of it hanging on my wall. Here is Jimmy Stewart reading it on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Hope you enjoy it!
Happy 2009!!!
