For as long as I can remember there have always been pets in my world. Muffin, Smokey, Sport, Jake, Sam, and more recently Whiskers, Lucky, Wendell, FrankenWendell & Lily. I’ve always been a lover of animals. I even recall a dog we had when I was little named “Sandy”. He had rust-coloured fur, long floppy ears and big brown eyes. I can picture him sleeping soundly under our kitchen table on hot summer days. I’ve always had such a vivid recollection of him…or so I thought. I was having a conversation one day with my sister Margie about “Sandy” and she quickly informed me that we never owned such a dog. We argued back and forth until it got to the point where I had to call Mom to confirm or deny the existence of him. I’m sad to report that he was just a figment of my imagination. Another time I gave my grade 2 teacher, Miss Delaney, a very important “note” from Mom. The note read: Puppy Chow for a full year til he’s full grown. That’s it, that was the very important note I had to give the teacher. Clearly, I had written it. I remember there being a commercial on TV around that time for Puppy Chow with an adorable animated dog and I loved the song that went along with it. Many years later I was at a wedding and Miss Delaney was there too and she reminded me of that story, it was such a sweet memory. Needless to say there may have been some questionable moments in my childhood that have revolved around dogs. Maybe I should be lying on a couch in an office somewhere telling these stories to a trained medical professional, LOL!

Did you know that in Canada the pet industry is worth about $7 billion including food, supplies and services? That’s a lot of dough! What is it about animals that have us spending that kind of money on them? Is it because they’re cute and cuddly? They make good companions and are great company? You can tell them your deepest, darkest secrets and they won’t judge you? Or perhaps it’s because they don’t talk back…unless you’ve got a parrot or something like that then that’s a whole other ballgame. Whatever the reason may be pets make our lives that much better.

We recently lost our beloved Lucky, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that came into our lives in December 2008. There have been very few times over the last 11 years where Lucky wasn’t involved in some aspect of our lives. He’s been a part of every occasion, celebration, relaxation and everything in between. He was essentially a member of our family. To celebrate and remember a special little dog I decided to put together a few pictures of various pets that have been a part of my friends & family, both nuclear and extended, over the years. There are a few snaps that I obviously didn’t take as they are well before my time. Still, I hope you enjoy looking at them and appreciate the love that was felt deeply for each and every one of them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whiskers came into our home way back in 2000. She was a stray from the Goulds. We aren’t too sure how old she is, probably close to 21 now. She’s clearly the Keith Richards of cats. She will outlive us all I suspect.

 

 

Little baby dog is dearly missed.

 

I also want to send our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Angel Paws. The compassion they showed us while taking care of Lucky was second to none and greatly appreciated. We will never forget their kindness.

 

 

Until Next Time,

Andrea