One of my favorite memories of this house is getting Ben, our Cocker Spaniel, in 2009. We planned it as a Christmas surprise. Ed found him through a breeder in northern Ohio, and we began to strategize the best way to get him under the tree for Christmas morning.
We enlisted my friend, Bobby, to help us because he is an animal-lover. He was staying at our friend, Jill's, for the holidays, dog-sitting her dog, Duke. It worked out perfectly. Ed went and got Ben on Christmas Eve and brought him over to Bobby. I remember seeing him for the first time that day; he was TINY! So cute. Poor Bobby - he accidentally stepped on one of Ben's paws while taking him for a walk, and Ben yowled and limped around...giving us the first indications that he was a drama king. Thus the hashtag DIVADOG whenever I post pictures of him on Instagram.
He fully recovered from the injury (and so did Bobby). Early Christmas morning, Ed went and got him, and we put him under the tree with his little tartan plaid bow tie. He was so sweet and good. When the girls got up, and Katie saw him sitting there, she could hardly believe it. He just sat on Maddie's (our yellow Lab) doggy bed, waiting patiently. He promptly fell asleep for the rest of the morning while we opened gifts.
He is the quirkiest dog we've had, but we love him. He's filled this house with his perpetual cheerfulness and ridiculousness. He seems to know something is up these days. We gave away two of his favorite places to sit and sleep - the front room chair and "man cave" couch. Ben seems to be sulking a bit, but we know he will love the new place and will find a favorite chair or couch there.
Maddie looking a little put out.
Maddie saying, "MAYBE we'll be friends."
Our friend, Bobby, passed away in 2011. We miss him and his big heart.
What a rich slice of your family Holly.
ReplyDeleteDogs are definitely members of the family!
ReplyDeleteAww! That's a sweet, sweet memory Holly! What cute pups!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet slice to share - What an adorable puppy! They certainly grow fast though.
ReplyDeleteNothing better than a puppy! What a lovely memory.
ReplyDeleteLove the pics of your sweet Ben and the memories. Here's to a new favorite spot for him at the new place.
ReplyDeleteThe Diva Dog is so cute. I am sure there is distinct personality that accompanies here behavior.
ReplyDeleteOh Bobby! I am laughing through my tears imagining his reaction. He had a heart of gold and was loved by so many.
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