I admit it…I’m a sap when it comes to dogs, and puppies easily turn me into a babbling idiot.
We had to say goodbye to our last dog, Lady, a year ago. I never thought I’d be without a dog, but we’ve needed this doggie break. We’re not sure when we’ll fill the empty nest again, but…
To my great surprise and delight, our daughter and son-in-law recently adopted a dog from the pound, and now I HAVE A GRANDPUPPY!!!
Me and Jessie -My Grandpuppy!
I may be a little biased, but isn’t she just about the cutest thing you’ve seen?
Dogs have been an important part of my life forever.
We already had Rex when I was born. He died when I was 7, and I got Pepper when I was 10 years old. She was well loved and pampered her entire life!
Pepper loved the snow!
Pepper even rode my bicycle with me!
She was 11 when I got married and lived to see me become a mommy to 2 kids. She was 13 when we got Ginger. She wasn’t very happy about sharing the family after being an ‘only dog’ her whole life, but she tolerated Ginger well enough.
Ginger & Pepper
We had to say goodbye to Pepper about a year later, and Ginger ruled the house for a long while as an only dog.
She didn’t know she was a dog!
She was good with the kids, but I had trouble bonding well with her because I’d been so heartsick when Pepper died. I didn’t want to get attached and hurt all over again. She started ailing around 11 years old, however, and we got Nikki because I just couldn’t imagine not having a dog around.
They crowded themselves into one bed instead of getting in their own.
Ginger perked up with a puppy in the house and they played well. She couldn’t go bird hunting anymore, though, because of her arthritis, so Lady entered our lives.
Nikki and Lady -Lady’s first day home.
The 3 Musketeers
When we had to say goodbye to Ginger, the younger two became very close.
Lady always wanted to be touching Nikki.
Me and the girls
We’re off to see our daughter and son-in-law this weekend, and PLAY WITH JESSIE, TOO!
In case you forgot this cute face!
How about you? What role have pets played in your life?
inspired2ignite 
Jun 10, 2013 @ 16:12:51
Denise, thank you for stopping and liking a recent post. This is a great post. We have not had a dog for several years, but they were and remain in spirit important parts of our family. I look forward to following your blog.
Take care,
Ivon
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Jun 10, 2013 @ 20:07:03
Dogs are totally the best aren’t they? 😉
I enjoyed some of your thought provoking posts.
Thanks for stopping by!
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May 25, 2013 @ 19:44:55
I absolutely love this post, Denise! I’ve had dogs all my life and can’t imagine being without them. It’s always so sad when they pass and I think ‘no – I can’t go through this again!’ But I always do. I love the pictures you’ve put up here. Jessie is the cutest puppy I’ve seen in a long time – congratulations on the grandpuppy 😀
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May 26, 2013 @ 15:20:29
It has been a strange year without a dog. Glad you liked the pictures 🙂 I always enjoy your photos, too!
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May 06, 2013 @ 01:44:13
congrats on the grand puppy! I relate to everything you feel, I honestly prefer a dogs company over people because of the unconditional love and guidance they provide by always being in the moment! I had to put down my dog 7 months ago and I still cry when I think of him.
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May 06, 2013 @ 16:55:12
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dog. They truly take a piece of our hearts with them when they go.
Thank you for sharing.
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May 05, 2013 @ 08:36:03
Aw – such a cute grandpup!! So fun to read your article and see pics of the sweet doggies in your life.
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May 05, 2013 @ 10:57:30
Thanks, Karen! They are my babies !
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May 05, 2013 @ 05:25:27
That picture of the dog watching the surf floors me! I love dogs, too, just don’t have the time at home to own a dog. I hate to see them ignored, left alone all day, chained in the yard… Maybe again, someday, I can have a good dog.
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May 05, 2013 @ 10:59:57
Haha Yes Ginger never really knew she was a dog. I guess we forgot to tell her.
I think its very unselfish of you to not get a dog right now. Someday the time will be right for some lucky dog to get you 😉
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May 05, 2013 @ 18:19:16
You wanna be gone all day and half the night? Get a cat. They don’t give a crap. But a dog needs attention, at least a few times a day. It is unfair to have a dog then ignore it (like some people I know do with their own children!). So, no, I don’t have a dog. When I’m truly retired, or at least working from home – DOG!
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May 05, 2013 @ 03:11:01
Adorrrrable! Truly are Man’s Best Friend.
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May 05, 2013 @ 10:56:38
That saying didn’t come from nowhere, did it ;+)
Glad you enjoyed it Susanna !
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May 04, 2013 @ 07:21:52
Our last dog was a Sheltie which we had to put down over 2 years ago. Like you, I’ve had dogs for years and like you, I’m not ready for another dog yet. Also like you, I have grand-doggies — 2 of them — one of which is just over a year old so still acts like a puppy. 🙂
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May 07, 2013 @ 08:58:55
Hi Anna, I’m sorry about your Sheltie. I bet you do miss her very much. They are so beautiful!
I hope you enjoy your grandpuppies as much as I enjoy Jessie! 🙂
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May 04, 2013 @ 04:37:51
I love animals of all sorts, but I’m a cat mama. We had dogs growing up but as an adult I’ve only had cats. When we lost our first two cats that we had since our 20’s, I swore that was it. No More Pets. It hurt too much. But 3 months later we got 2 more kitties and started all over. It didn’t take long for them to heal my heart and move right in there 🙂
Loved to see all those pics of you and your animal family Denise!
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May 04, 2013 @ 07:06:56
That sounds familiar. 😉
Your kitties must all be very special, Arlene.
Glad you liked my girls.
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May 03, 2013 @ 19:01:43
I think if dogs and cats have one flaw, it’s that they don’t live long enough. 🙂
We have two dogs who are best buddies. It seems that all of our dogs really bond with each other and grieve as much as we do when one goes across the Rainbow Bridge. I can’t imagine life without a dog or two. We had cats, too, but when the last two died well into their 20s, we decided we would stick with dogs for now. We will have quite a menagerie waiting for us when we finally take that trip across the Rainbow Bridge ourselves.
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May 03, 2013 @ 22:08:16
That’s so true, Ruth! I miss all my girls so much…I take comfort thinking about them being together in doggie heaven waiting for me!
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May 03, 2013 @ 17:44:49
Jessie is adorable. I love her face. What a wonderful, poignant, marvelous post this is. The photos and comments about the dogs in your life…the best!!! Dogs are our kids. We’ve never had any other kind and they are our absolute passion. Give Jessie a rubbie from me. 🙂
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May 03, 2013 @ 22:06:04
Jessie says roooo-roooo-roooo to you, Paulette!
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May 03, 2013 @ 15:43:37
I loved reading about your doggie history! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Your new grand-puppy is gorgeous – enjoy her!
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May 03, 2013 @ 22:05:27
I’m covered in Jessie hair as I write 🙂
Dog lovers unite!
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May 03, 2013 @ 09:38:52
Sweet!
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May 03, 2013 @ 13:50:37
Thanks, Sheri 🙂
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May 03, 2013 @ 05:34:54
How cute!
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May 03, 2013 @ 13:50:25
Thanks! They are all so different, but each one lovable! 😉
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May 03, 2013 @ 03:58:29
Pets… Well, I think pets, makes no matter if they a puppy or an adult, always just make you feel good, no matter how bad you feel and I’d bet we do the same for them. That’s all their is to it.
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May 03, 2013 @ 04:58:48
😉
Well said, Rich!
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