Her ball had bounced out of the garage onto the driveway and was rolling toward the street. As she toddled to retrieve it, the family dog Spot blocked her way. With hands on her hips and with as much determination as any two year old could muster, the curly-topped girl repeatedly voiced her opinion. “Pot, Pot, move Pot!”

That’s when my mother gazed through the kitchen’s screen door to see what was happening in my garage playroom. As she brought the ball back to me, Mom rewarded Spot with a pat on the head and a “good boy” for standing guard over her youngest.

Pets found us (translation: followed us home from school and could stay as long as we took good care of them). Spot was considered to be my brother David’s dog.

My sister Betty had claimed black and white cat Midnight as hers a few years earlier. I finally had a pet of my own when Boots joined our family when I was about nine. By that time, the others had taught us about saying goodbye to those we loved.

Boots was affectionate and playful. I couldn’t wait to get home from school and run around the neighborhood with her at my side. Before long, though, she slowed down a bit. It was for a good reason. Soon I witnessed the miracle of birth and welcomed a litter of puppies into that same garage.

It was a difficult decision to make. Since we could only keep one of the babies, I chose the one that looked the most like Spot and told David I would share that puppy with him. Together we took care of them both until he graduated from High School and went into the Navy.

In the few letters that we were permitted to exchange with him during the Vietnam War, he always wanted news about the dogs. Their doggy kisses were right up there with the human affection he was shown upon his safe return home.

Over the years grandchildren Oliver, Lincoln and Alina have had their own experiences of loyal companionship and being unconditionally loved by their dogs Brooklyn, Annie and Belka. Who better to watch with for the school bus or as your brother’s giant snowball is heading toward the window than your furry friend?

And of course, they’re allowed to slurp up the mixed veggies that are so kindly shared with them and they’re always included in family photos.

 Cause they’re just one of the family.

Joining together in saying “Bye bye Brookie” a couple of years ago and to Annie-dog more recently was hard. While it won’t be the same without their sweetness there, being looked at through the gentle eyes of “man’s best friend” is still a gift that does my heart good, no matter my age.

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What moments are you remembering where your heart’s been touched by a pet? Let’s start capturing the stories that arise from those fur baby memories to reminisce around with family!

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