I pulled the classic no-no when I chose the spunkiest pup in the litter. When I first saw her at eight weeks, she was bounding around the yard with her mom, chasing after a tennis ball almost as big as she was. It was love at first sight.
Phoebe’s puppy mischief kept us hopping and Home Depot in business. She ate just about anything she could get her sharp little teeth on – furniture, carpet, sheetrock and even sand. Needless to say I lost my pet deposit upon our departure from the apt. I was renting, but her sweet disposition and affectionate nature more than made up for the frustration.
By the time we had moved into our first house, she could clear eight foot fences, catch Frisbees in mid-air, and dribble a full-sized soccer ball. She seemed more like a border collie than a sheltie, but we embraced her boundless energy as she snuggled her way into our hearts.
As Phoebe entered her 14th year, the usual downturns of age, and unusual downturns of a breed-specific disease, called dermatomyocitis started to take their toll. We spent a lot of time with doctors and medications, which enabled us to extend her time with us, but the moment came when we finally had to say goodbye.
I loved you so much, my baby dog. I hope they have lots of Nutrigrain bars and bananas where you are. You will always hold a huge place in my heart, and I will never forget your face.
Cassye Delphy