It was a sunny, hot August afternoon when I went and checked on the pups.
Our neighbors had left for a few days of vacation and asked us to “puppy” sit their newborn batch of labs for them. The pups were around 6 weeks old and all but two had their bright colored collars on designating who had picked them. The unclaimed ones that were left, a male and a female. First trip I made over to check on them, one of them opened their eyes, got up and wandered over in the makeshift pen to greet me, it was one with no collar, the female. The pup seemed to want to play around and I played with her for a bit while the rest of them were just sleeping in the hot afternoon heat. I had no intentions of getting a dog and did not want the responsibilities and dedication that went with owning a dog. Little did I know what was about to transpire.
During the next visit, I sneaked up on the pen not making a sound, and just watched the litter to check and see how they were doing. Low and behold, the unclaimed female would wake up from her nap and wonder over to greet me, the rest, still napping away. I found this rather strange and wondered if this was for real.
Several more trips over the next couple of days to “check” on them and I came up with the same results. No matter which direction I approached the pen, she always woke up and came over to greet me. The funny thing is that NONE of the other ones would even move, let alone venture over to see who was there. The biggest reaction from the bunch would be to open their eyes and look at who the intruder was. It was like they already had owners and didn’t feel the need to socialize. I figured this must be “the sign”.
After some intense conversations with Linda, we decided to go get a pink collar and put it on her so that we knew that I was the one she wanted.
Linda and I were truly blessed to enjoy training her while she was young, and enjoyed the company and companionship of her over the next 13 years of her life. Anyone who came over to the pool or to watch football in the garage always got to meet her, and she was equally happy to see them too. Freckles and her would just enjoy being around the crowd. Roxy was always excited to see Linda when she came to get them and she frequently enjoyed walks with her. I was always amazed at how smart she really was.
That all came to a end today, Sept 28, 2009 when we had to put her to sleep.
You will be truly missed by Linda, Freckles, Kathy, myself, and the pool and football gang.
Rest in peace Roxy.
4 comments:
So sorry to hear of your loss. I know it leaves pain and an empitness that can't be filled. I know as we had to put down our chocolate lab, Barney, down 3 years ago. Again, so sorry about Roxie. I loved her too!
I'm so very sorry for you both. Although I never actually had the pleasure of meeting Roxie, I felt as though I knew her through Linda's stories. She was so very lucky to have picked the two of you. I know you'll miss her terribly. She was a wonderful pet and companion and you provided her with a beautiful and full life. Thoughs & hugs to you (including Freckles)!
Glenny
Isn't it too bad that we outlive them by so much? Been there many times. My condolences.
I am so sorry for your loss. THey truely become our family.. Our children and love us more than we could begin to love us.. I feel your loss as we have lost a special girl like yours recently.. May god help you heal.
Post a Comment