This is Spunky. She is my 11 year old lab mix. We adopted her from the humane society when she was 2 years old. She was given up my her previous owner because she could not play well other puppies. We went to the humane society looking for a small dog - certainly not a lab mix (they shed too much)! I do realize the irony of being upset about the shedding when I have four cats in my house too. However, when we went to the humane society to see a dog that I had picked out on the Internet, this yappy dog that gave so many kisses just captured my heart. She came home with us that day. On the way home, we stopped at the pet store. While we were shopping for goodies for her, she peed on the front passenger seat. Welcome home Spunky.
Fast forward through the years. She has been my companion through these past 9 years. We have taken her up north to the cottage many times. She loves to swim in the lake now. Although I don't understand her hurry to go from one side of the lake to the other side. Most dogs just turn around and go back to shore. We have done so many different obedience classes together. She always wanted to please me. She always watched me with anticipation of what I would ask her to do next. We also did some agility together. She would always try something new in the name of peanut butter. She is the best dog that I could ask for.
When Peter would go out of town she would lay in bed next to me. Only for her, would I be willing to make myself uncomfortable to sleep. I love snuggling with her next me while she is laying under the covers. I love watching her snort all around on the blankets too. I love how she always thinks she is a lap dog and tries to squeeze herself between Peter and me.
I love her goofy side. When she would go outside during a snow storm and run figure eights in the back yard. I love watching her play in the snow and come up with snow all over her muzzle. I loved playing dress up with her for Halloween. She has been a jail dog, a hippie dog, a witch, Superman, a clown and many others.
When I look at how it started, it seems fitting that her health is coming full circle. You see, Spunky cannot hold her urine. Although with her increased need for water and the increasing amount of accidents, I am afraid that she either has diabetes or kidney issues. She isn't "normal" and something is definitely wrong. She is getting older and I have known for awhile that something would catch up to her. (Because otherwise, she doesn't act nearly 11 years old!)
My oldest daughter watched me getting upset tonight when I was cleaning up yet another mess. She became very worried. I tried to explain to her that I am just sad. I know that Spunky cannot be with me forever and it is hard for me to picture being in this house without my beloved puppy. Peaches made some comment about how she never wants any more pets. Probably because she still hurts from last fall when our other dog, Smokey, passed away. She asked me, "Why do we do this?". She failed to see the point of having pets if they just pass away.
I could only explain about all of the love and enjoyment that they bring to our lives. I would do it again in a heart beat, even if it lead to heartbreak. I know that I will have another pet. After all folks, this is me. Remember, I currently have four cats in addition to my Spunky girl. I have always had pets around me. It is just when they start getting old and sick that it becomes the hardest. It is worth it. Spunky has that look in her eye that says she still trusts me to take care of her. So tonight I am going to snuggle with her. Just love her.
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