Happy Birthday, Scout

Happy Birthday to my puppy Scout who is 10 years old!

She was only 3 pounds when she came into our lives (that is a cat collar on her because she is so small). We adopted her from Love at first Sight after my cat of 19 years passed away. Nancy and I never owned a dog growing up and this was all new, scary and exciting to us. We heard all the horror stories of how she would chew up everything, eat us out of house and home and pee and poop all over. I am a proud parent and can with confidence admit she has never done any of these things.

Scout is part Chow, Boarder Collie, Beagle, Whippet and Healer all mixed together. This I believe has made her the smartest most wonderful dog in the world. She has brought nothing but joy, peace, patience and love in my life. I totally understand why they tell single people or older people to get a dog. She keeps me going and I believe she has kept me both physically and mentally healthy these past ten years. Each day all I can think about is getting her out for a walk and making her smile. When I am away from her I think of her constantly. We try to take her as many places with us as we can. She has gone to Gatlinburg, New Mexico, short trips, long trips, the mall, Lowes and most of all the park. Yes, we have arranged our lives for her but it is all worth it.

Scout has also given me a new appreciation for other pets and animals, especially dogs. And I know people don't like it when you treat an animal as human, but I would do ANYTHING for her. We went through the 2:00 am potty outings, the training, the vet visits and we sit up with her when she doesn't feel well. She is my child and I try to do what ever I can to keep her safe, healthy and happy for as long as she will be with us. This should be true of every animal. Just like there are people who give of their time to help children, the homeless, the hungry and the sick, there are those that have given up much to take care of our animals, our pets. How can you help? Check out strong, positive shelters and the people who have changed their lives so that the lives of abused animals can be changed; A Place to Bark.

I love you Scouty.

Happy Birthday!!!!!

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."

- Unknown

Do you own a pet? Have they changed your life for the better? I would love to hear about them.