April is a mixed Golden Retriever/Chow/Border Collie and who knows what else. She is a sweetheart. April was adopted from the Humane Society before your Daddy and I were married. We had bought the house in the city off Pattison and my plan was to keep her there for security but also so I could have a dog of my own that I wanted badly. Plus, I rationalized that she might be euthanized since she wasn't a puppy. She was 2 1/2 when I adopted her which means she would be.... 15 now. WOW! April lived on Pattison for a year with me stopping by many times a day to walk her, put her in and out and check on food and water. Not what I had intended, but it is what it is. That time bought her entry into the family. She moved into our apartment with us after that and the rest is history. April is very lovey and sometimes a little too needy. She brushes up against you and nearly knocks you over with her subtle hints for affection and attention. About a year ago she developed a tumor that was cancerous and had to be removed. Since then, I haven't seen any sign of recurrence and she is simply quieter in her old age. She sleeps a lot, but can still get worked up by her little brother, Hercules, whenever he nips at her heals and yips at her in his high pitch tone. You think she is a boy for whatever reason. She is wonderful.
Hercules is our second dog.
Hercules came into the family unexpectedly. We were coming back from Amber's birthday party. Hercules was on the side of the highway in Herculaneum where someone had dumped him. While we watched, he ran to the middle of the highway. I convinced your father to turn around and go back and stop on the side of Interstate 55 where he was in the middle. I promised just to call to him to come to me and not cross the interstate. I promised and intended not to, but when I got out of the car and got a look at him shaking in terror at the median, I knew I was going to go to him. I held my hand out and talked softly so he wouldn't spook and jump into traffic. I reached him and grabbed him tightly and then waited for an opportunity to cross again. When I got back in the car, I thought your Daddy was going to kill me, but he took one look at trembling little Hercules in my lap and understood. He was ours ever since. Hercules thinks he is invincible when it comes to all things big - cars, large dogs, anything that a normal dog would be intimidated by, he goes ballistic over and has to prove himself to be BIG although he is small. Hercules is now about 6 years old since he was a year when we got him. He is getting some salt and pepper around the face and filling out, but he acts like he's all puppy and is forever planning to intercept your meals when we turn our backs.
Every member of this family came together when they needed a family and we needed them and there have been no regrets. Once family, always family! We love them all!
Love,
Mommy
1 comment:
Awwww! I love this post! You almost, almost make me want to get another dog. But not quite. Not yet, anyway. We love all the Roses, human & otherwise!
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