First Dog

A couple months before my 40th birthday, my first real pet, a chocolate lab, came into my life.

I was not an animal lover and at that time in my life a dog was the very last thing that I needed or wanted. My daughter was on vacation with her best friend when I got THE phone call. 

"Mom, Sally had her puppies and Campbells said I could have one since I helped deliver them!" 

My reaction was not an excited one. I was not happy about that 40th birthday staring me in the face, I was working on my Master's degree, my four kids were in 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th grades, all playing soccer and involved in lots of other activities, Hubs traveled a lot. All of them wanted a puppy. The kids PROMISED they would take care of the dog. I would not have to do a thing...I was outvoted 5-1. I tried my best not to like this puppy but he was persistent and would follow me around, giving me the look that said, "You know you like me." It took very little time until he found his spot in our crazy family routine and in my heart. 

Fast forward to 15 years later and another first. Old age had taken its toll on Coby and his legs gave out on him. He was not able to walk. I tried to call the vet but I could not get the words out to make the appointment to euthanize him. Hubs had to make the call.

The whole family was devastated. Coby had been my oldest child's dog for over half of his life. My daughter brought him into this world. My third child wanted a puppy more than another sibling. She followed me around the house with a cheer she made up: "P-U-PP-Y, Get one, Get one!" The youngest was in 2nd grade and he and Coby grew up together. My mom loved Coby. She called him a fine, fine dog. And he was. 

Today is the first year anniversary we said good-bye to our beloved first pet. I miss seeing him on his spot on the lawn. I miss him cocking his head when I would talk to him, me thinking that look meant "I love you," but it probably meant "When are you going to feed me?"I miss him always being ready to go bye-bye...such a great car companion. I miss his gentle, sweet demeanor. I miss seeing him laying in the corner in my bedroom.

Loving Coby brought great joy to our lives and saying good-bye to him brought great sadness. But we were blessed to have him be a part of our family for 15 years. That treasure will never be forgotten.

Coby and his spot

So happy to be going bye-bye

See how everyone changed in 15 years ~