Lily seems to bring out my daughter’s maternal instincts. “Mom,” she remarked last Saturday, “Lily needs to get out more.” I reminded her that Lily goes walking or running with us at least once each day and that I’d already taken her swimming up at the dam twice this week. “No,” Hannah explained, “she needs to hang out with other dogs more. She needs to socialize.”
Hannah joked about making a “play date” for Lily but was sincere in her concern. And so, we ended up at Alum Creek Dog Park later that afternoon…
Lily is our first family dog and my own “first dog” as well. In my youth, I certainly begged for my share of puppies and kittens but always ended up with turtles and baby sisters.
My youngest sister was the one who finally wore mom down to dog ownership (the month I left home for college!), and Bijou, a scruffy shi-poo, became her devoted follower. I tried to “bond” during infrequent weekends home, but she was decidedly Kathleen’s dog. For Kathleen alone, Bijou would roll over and endure dress-up sessions in baby clothes (albeit with reluctance and a pronounced aversion to lace-trimmed bonnets). Bijou and I just didn’t have that sort of relationship. It felt more like a “friend of a friend” thing between us.
My daughter Hannah did the whole “we need a dog” campaign in a more focused and timely fashion.
When she “identified the need” a few years ago she started forwarding me informative articles on the psychological benefits
of dog ownership. I received e-mails on the advantages and disadvantages of specific breeds and links to amazing stories of doggy heroics. All accompanied by air-brushed photos of winsome canines, of course…
It still took meeting a particular dog, Lily, to take the plunge however. Lily’s owner had succumbed to cancer and his widow hoped to place the two-year old puppy in an active home. With three kids and an outdoor-oriented lifestyle, our family qualified in an almost excessive way.
And in the end, we didn’t so much “get a dog” as bring Lily home.
My daughter is just like yours when it comes to the dog. Playing with us at the house and going for walks is not “enough”. She arranges play dates with her friend’s dog at least once a week at our house or theirs. Our little guy does sleep better those nights.
Lily looks a fine healthy dog who is really part of the family.
Stewart Allyn,
Growing caring and compassion in our kids is always a positive. Your daughter sounds like a really sweet girl.
Jean-Luc,
We got really lucky with Lily. She’s simply joyful. -And always knows who needs her…
I love this post. So expressively written. A pet is indeed beneficial psychologically. They even lengthen the life of lonely elderly people and help sick people get better more quickly. How about that?
heather,say hi to lily for me she’s a super dog.
Dogs are such a wonderful example of unconditional love. You found your “packmate” that has decided she is happy and will do her part for her family. I love the way you write, I can view what you are talking about vicariously through your words. =0)
Thanks Suzanne,
Lily is certainly a popular visit at my grandma’s care center. We ALWAYS take her Christmas caroling etc. We’ll probably take her tomorrow when we celebrate grandma’s 93rd (!!!) birthday.
Hi TODD (ha),
She’s just so happy all the time! And if she hears the jangle of car keys, she’s immediately at the door, ready to go…(doesn’t really matter where) Gotta love an attitude like that!
David,
That “unconditional” love is a beautiful thing. And she gets ours because she’s so generous with her own…
(And “thanks!”)
Oh Lily is gorgeous.
(Jackal ‘borrows’ Lily)
Lily is a beautiful dog, Heather, and your photos are wonderful (as always). They captured her well. I remember our family dog when I was growing up. I considered him my best friend; I also had no qualms about dressing him up in clothes and tie and taking pictures of him, though! He didn’t seem to mind…
What a beautiful dog! I’m not a big dog fan, but I knew we had to have one when we had kids. Our Cooper is an important member of our family.
What is it with dogs today? This is the third consecutive blog I visited today that feature dogs!!! I had a dog when I was a kid but they took it away without giving me any reason at all and I think that’s the reason why I didn’t turn out to be a great dog lover. However, I think I will get one for my daughters someday soon…
Jackal,
Isn’t she a beauty?! We feel REALLY lucky to have her (even when she occasionally snores -or wakes me by nudging a soggy dog toy onto my bed (next to my pillow!).
Nina,
I’d love to see those pictures; sounds like one stylish dog!
Lily is fun to photograph; I love the sequence at the end of this post where she sprays the bench and then happily trots off.