I started and finished Friendship Cake on Saturday. It was a cross between Mitford series, Ya-Ya Sisterhood, and Steel Magnolias. Of course, since it is a modern book, it also has a token homosexual. It isn't shoved in the readers face like it is in almost all movies and TV shows these days, but still, it is really necessary?Overall a sweet book. I would recommend it.
I am now reading Marley and Me. It is about the adventures of a dog owner and his hyperactive lab. Much of the book reminds me of the first years with our black lab, Angus. Bryon and I got him when we had been married 4 months. He was the center of our universe. He was also huge and very energetic. We figured he needed a companion, so we got him a girlfriend. Maggie was a beautiful blonde who looked like she had eye liner on. We loved both of them, but they quickly destroyed our yard.
Two months after we moved to our current house, (and seven years ago tomorrow) Bryon and I attended a wedding. When we returned home, we had a message from a man who had our dog, Maggie. We were very confused until we called this man. Apparently, Maggie and Angus had escaped our house and were returning to our old house. They made it quite a ways up a very busy street, but then tragedy struck. Maggie darted out into traffic and Angus ran after her. Angus was hit and died instantly. Maggie was shaken up but was rescued by this nice man. He cried when he told us the story.
Losing Angus was extremely hard on me. He was my "first baby" and my heart sank every time I thought of how he died. Maggie became everything to me. I even took her picture with me when I went on vacation. The day we brought Matthew home from the hospital, I looked at Maggie and realized that she wasn't a baby. She really was a dog! It got harder and harder to take care of Maggie. She was horribly frightened of ambulance sirens and when a fire house was built near our house, she howled all night long. It was hard enough getting up a lot with Matthew, but Maggie as well? I was also completely engrossed in Matthew and didn't spend near enough time with her. I know that sounds awful, but we decided it was time to find a new home for her.
We eventually gave her to a man who owned a florist in town. He had tons of acres and Maggie fit right in. It was a relief knowing that she was happy and had lots of new playmates.
I don't know when we will ever own a dog again. I know the kids will want one, and I don't want to deprive them of the experience of owning a dog, but I am not pushing it! Who needs another body to clean up after and feed and climb all over me?
Had a thought.
16 hours ago
9 comments:
We bought our dog about 6 months after we were married and he was my baby too. It is amazing how quickly their place in the family changes when a "real baby" comes along. Our dog, Chester, developed diabetes about a year ago...I did not even know they could do such a thing and he has to have a shot twice a day and special food. Let's just say that i love him but when his time comes I will not be so quick to get another dog very soon. It really is a pain when you have to go out of town especially if they are inside dogs. Hold out as long as you can!
Just finished reading Marley and me, it is a sweet story. It is very hard to have both dogs and little children in the same house. It seems especially so whenever you had the dog first because they are used to having your attention and now your child needs all your attention. One day I am sure we will replace our "dog baby" but think it may still be a year or more away.
I read Friendship Cake several years ago!
By the way, I tried your SNIP IT salad tonight as my supper! Wonderful! My husband is out of town and the kids are eating leftovers. Perfect time to try a salad for supper!
Ahh...Angus. Kevin and I have fond memories of our first date together (when you were in NYC for New Years) and going over to feed and play with him. They were sweet pets.
As for our dog -- we are keeping her. She is the only other female in our house and we have to stick together -- Sam, Seth, Kevin, and Max the cat, can get to be too much testosterone at times. She is my a 8 pound dog trapped in a 70 pound body...she loves napping, snoozing, snoring, and would prefer to do those all in the comfort of your lap.
So there's my salute to Molly...although I will admit she has been spending more time in our backyard lately...I have issues with Seth being on the floor within her licking range!
I COMPLETELY understand! I was in the same boat - not wanting another body to take care of - until I met our furbaby, Wrigley - no sweeter dog was ever created! I can't imagine our home without him (although, I fondly remember hairless carpet...)
Elizabeth- (hi, I'm new here!) I love your blog and I'm a dog lover, so I thought I'd chime in. My husband and I have 2 precious pups that we likely treat as our "kids." We love them and they are so wonderful for us. I hope one day you will be ready for another unconditionally loving buddy(maybe after the kids are doing their own thing!)
We got Sassafrass a few months after buying our first house... and she's found a new family since Hadlee has become a part of the family. I'm cool w/ it, B isn't so sure... I say let sleeping dogs lie in someone else's yard!
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