Monday, June 1, 2009

I ♥ Faces--Pets

I ♥ Faces--Pets

This is our sweet dog, Alia Serendipity, who will be turning 15 on June 21st! That's amazingly old for a large dog. We took lots of pictures of her this year, like this holiday shot, thinking this will probably be her last Christmas. I love that she fell asleep next to the wooden ornament that looks like her.

She's been with us since long before the kids were born and was there for both of their home births. She howled along with me during labor when I hit transition, the most painful part. When the kids were born, the Dr. told us the dogs would "welcome them in to the pack with a kiss." and for us to let them. Then there would never be any jealousy issues or problems with the dogs relating to the baby.

Sure enough, our 3 dogs lined themselves up, oldest to youngest and came up to give the newborn a lick on the face and then quietly lay back down. It was amazing! And we never had a moment of conflict with any of them, even when the kids learned to stand by pulling themselves up using the dogs' hairy sides or snacked in front of them. She was also extremely brave and patient
last summer, when our neighbor shot her in the leg with a BB Gun. She barely whimpered, through multiple trips to the vet to treat the wound.

So, this is for Alia, who has already outlived all our other big dogs by at least two years. You've been a good friend and a loving family member. And like the meaning of your middle name, Serendipity, you have been an unexpected good thing, enriching all of our lives.

12 comments:

  1. a beautiful picture and even more beautiful story...thanks for posting, it's a great entry!

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  2. Beautiful picture, dog and story!

    ~TidyMom

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  3. What a wonderful photo of your beautiful Alia!

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  4. Thanks for sharing the story - love her photo!

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  5. How sweet!!! I hope she lives many more healthy years!

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  6. What a wonderful tribute to Alia! You should read it to Dugan and Sage and help them to appreciate what she has meant to the family.

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  7. Now that is sweet! Great shot!

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  8. Sounds to me like your neighbor needs to get a taste of his own medicine!!! SWEET puppy, sweet pic!

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  9. My favorite moments with Alia? Waaaay back, when she was still a hyper puppy with loads of boundless bounding energy.... you'd leave your guests in the living room to go get food or wine or something. And you'd put up this safety gate to keep Alia out, saving us from being repeatedly pounced upon by a very excited furry friend. And every time, Alia would wait until you left the room and then spring over the gate like it was nothing. Then you'd walk back in the room, and with real bewilderment in your voice, you'd groan, "ALIA! How did YOU get in there?" Every time.

    Love you. Love Alia. Love your whole pack.

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  10. Awwww...such a great photo and a wonderful story! I hope you get to enjoy MANY more years with her.

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  11. A beautiful picture and fantastic story!

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