My dear friend, Happy Birthday

I never knew on that day so many years ago when I chose this little chocolate colored puppy that we would share so many wonderful times. She has surpassed every expectation I  ever had for a dog.

I have had dogs my entire life but this dog, Penny is the only one I have ever had a true “connection” with.  She will be across the room and meet my eyes and just know what my intentions are. She is always by my side. If I get up and walk across the room, she follows. If I’m in the garden, she is too. She loves vegetables and picks her own beans and tomatoes.

She has survived a car accident, a fire and a cancerous tumor on her leg. She has been my steady and loyal to a fault, companion. She has been by my side through more illnesses than I can count. When I was recovering from brain surgery I spent hours in my rocking chair on the porch. It was September and so beautiful outside. I didn’t have energy to do much of anything. I just had to relax and heal. The weirdest part was that I was content to do nothing! Day after day I sat on the porch with my precious friend by my side. So attentive to my state of mind.

I became ill shortly after we installed her invisible fence. She trained herself as to where the boundaries were. She is incredibly smart and has learned things quickly. Yes you can teach an old dog new tricks. She is always surprising me by her knowledge.

I can see why these dogs are used for service dogs. They truly love to serve and even more, they love their masters. They can sense when someone has a bad spirit about them. Their sense of smell and hearing are phenomenal.

My dog has eaten 12 chocolate bars at one sitting and never gotten sick. My daughter learned to lock up her chocolate bars! She has always loved the water, even the rain. She loves the snow also. She still frolics in the snow like a puppy.

I value her loyalty above all the other desirable qualities she has. I know that beyond the shadow of a doubt she will be faithfully at my side. She, unlike people, has no care for what I look like or what I can do for her. She simply wants to be with me. I have been so grateful for her companionship for all these years and today I am so thankful to celebrate her 13th birthday. To celebrate all the moments of pure joy she has given me. The memories are endless and will be cherished for years to come. It will be very hard for another dog to compare to the level of true friendship she has provided to me.

If you have a dog, cat or another animal that you love, count your blessings.  They are a wonderful addition to help us through stressful situations as well as loyal companions to enjoy this life with.

Happy Birthday Penny.