{savor} :: to taste and enjoy it completely : enjoy or appreciate (something pleasant) completely, esp. by dwelling on it
There comes a special time in a person’s life when, if you’re lucky enough, you get loved by a puppy. And the best thing about a puppy, besides being small, silly, big floppy oversized paws, uncontrollable licks, and being steal-your-heart adorable, is that they have not slid into “doggie breath” days. I love puppy breath. I do. And so does my husband and kids. There is this TINY window of opportunity when having a dog in your face is a good thing. If you’re sitting there freaking out and muttering something like, “That’s digusting…ugh…dog people…DO YOU KNOW WHERE THAT TONGUE’S BEEN?” kind of talk…then you should seriously consider making an appointment with your shrink. Because there is nothing, notHING, NOTHING as wonderful as the love of a puppy (and puppy breath). They bring so much happiness to a family. I guess that is, if you’re ready for them. Because I do remember a day when the puppy “Chester” lasted about 2 days before he was taken back to the pound…but that’s a different story that happened about 10 years ago (I’m sorrrry…I can’t couldn’t do diapers and housebreak a dog that kept my kids quarantined on the top ledge of the couch in order to flee needle puppy teeth – I just couldn’t, so don’t judge)…lol!!
We have been blessed beyond our wildest dreams with the love of Ellie. Ellie Belly. And I like to think of her as “L”-ie. ”L” for Laurel. ”L” for my Grandma Lorraine Eleanor, “L” for LOVE. This perfect (“hypoallergenic”) goldendoodle puppy (1/2 standard poodle, 1/2 golden retriever) flew all the way to us from Denver, courtesy of our BFF breeders – McGilchrist Doodles. Neville and the girls flew her out here and personally delivered her to my front door! What service! (hilarious…) They had that puppy snuggled up in this carry-on pet carrier that BARELY fit under the seat. But she was the star in the airport…she’s quite the head turner. The kids in the airport just flocked to her. I’m actually lucky she made it all the way to my house! Ellie was born on New Years Day and I know she was held by Laurel, which is another reason I treasure this little thing wrapped in spun gold. She is pure sunshine. I mean it. She is joy personified! Just like Laurel. She never stops smiling (yes…dogs DO smile) just like Laurel. I don’t know what it is, but all of the chewing and housebreaking duties and regular puppy issues are almost invisible the minute she walks into the room. She tries to sneak her way onto the couch so she can nibble our necks like she’s looking for bugs. I try to be a responsible pet owner and keep her down. I do…but…how do you resist the love of a puppy? Seriously. And I can’t get enough of her fat, fat, floppy paws. They’re just so…well…puffy…I think I squeeze them 10 times a day. I know she’s going to be a big girl soon, so for today, I’m savoring the flavor of puppy stage. It’s so fleeting. And you know me…always trying to squeeze every minute out of baby life, I had to take her puppy portrait. I tried to get her to sleep for me (which I thought would be no big deal since she’s always taking her little puppy naps) but, no luck. I should have pulled out my baby whispering secrets! (hindsight 20/20 …)
Annie – the trusted and sweetest border collie in the entire world (she is a SAINT of a dog) just lets Ellie chew on her neck and lay all over her. Annie loves her like a mama dog and we are all just having a little love affair with this puppy. And, I know by now you’re all thinking “blah, blah, blah..blah, blah…just show us the photos already!” So…here ya’ go. Miss Ellie. I’m sure you’ll be seeing more of her.
Wait…but first…I have to tell you something funny…if you’re not convinced how loyal and happy dogs are, try locking your dog and your husband in the trunk of a car and see who’s happy to see you when you open it up after a few hours! (c’mon….I know that made you laugh!)
If you don’t mind, let me know you stopped by with some lovely comments! Happy Day!
t
