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An ode to my dog
Topic Started: Mar 30 2010, 06:19 AM (758 Views)
FlashGordon
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We have a four year old female golden names Shandy. We acquired her in 2005, when our male (who was totally our baby) was diagnosed with a tumor and started having seizures. My husband and our male were two peas in a pod and my hope was that he'd come to love the female pup and it would help ease the pain when we lost him. My husband never really bonded with her after the death of his dog, but her and I were buddies from the start.

She has always been in the background, playing second fiddle first to our male, who required a tremendous amount of attention and care, and then to Little FG, who came home when Shandy was 8 months old.

She is naturally sweet, submissive and quiet. She never does *anything* wrong. Ever. She is ridiculously smart and has picked up on numerous verbal commands. She is seriously the best dog I've ever known. And the poor thing gets little credit, because she's so good... we forget she's even around sometimes!

Living with my mom has not been easy for her, as my mom has two males who are a wee bit unruly and spoiled! They are very high maintenance and tend to dominate the environment. Shandy kinds of gets lost in the shuffle.

Since I've been home the last 8 weeks, Shandy has been my constant companion. She's always at my side or my feet, and has been nothing but calm and sweet.

Yesterday I was having a particularly rough evening, and the whole thing turned around when she got up from her dog bed in our room, wandered over and gave me a few nudges. Then she laid down on the floor next to me and stayed there the whole night.

She's the first dog that has really been *mine* and I'm always amazed at her loyalty. Dogs are such cool creatures, once you bond with them their affection is just so unconditional! After dealing with complicated people, and horses, for most of my life I really enjoy the relationship I have with my dog!

So here's to Shandy, who never gets the credit she deserves..... ;)

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Edited by FlashGordon, Mar 30 2010, 06:19 AM.
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bellaluna
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Magical Leopluridon
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I have always wanted a dog and have never had one. Your tribute brought a tear to my eye :hug:
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Indy
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What a pretty girl! Shandy sounds like a wonderful dog, one that everyone should be lucky enough have in their lives at least once.
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buryinghill2
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Very nice sentiment. Never take a good dog for granted. :hug: Our time with them is over so quickly, seems like the blink of an eye. You have to cherish every day.
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3Bays
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:cloud9: :hug: I'm with BH2...never taking a good dog for granted!

Oh, you brought a tear to my eyes also, Flashy! I've adored dogs allll my life and there are three especially who have totally touched me down deep (one is my current canine luv, Miss Fredonia) and I know my life would have been less wonderful without them!

She is GORGEOUS, too! And, you can just see her sweet eye! I'm SO glad for you, Flashy! The incredible and unconditional and healing love of a dog is almost indescribable and very, very precious. Shandy and you are :luck: !

Thanks for sharing this! :rose:
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kady05
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FlashGordon
Mar 30 2010, 06:19 AM
Dogs are such cool creatures, once you bond with them their affection is just so unconditional! After dealing with complicated people, and horses, for most of my life I really enjoy the relationship I have with my dog!
Yup, that's the best part about dogs. I enjoy the company of my dogs more than about 95% of the people I know. Much easier to deal with!
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Trialbyfire
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Aww, that is so sweet. Good girl Shandy!!! :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Thread hijack.....how are YOU doing Flashy????]
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FlashGordon
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Thanks guys... I knew you were a bunch that would understand, as it seems everyone here on TOC love their dogs as much as their horses!

BH2 you are so right, we only have them such a short time.... and I know I often take her presence for granted. I have no doubt there will never be another dog like her in my life. Being home with her all the time the last two months has reminded me what a loyal companion she is and how lucky I am to have her.

Thanks for asking TBF... having some blood pressure issues and actually waiting for the doc to call back right now. But otherwise doing fine. Trying to get through these last few weeks. ;)
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CDE Driver
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Awe Flashy, I am so glad you have such a dear soul to love you right now :hug: What a Lovely tribute.

What is funny is that when my Sister and her now husband (of 30ish years) were dating he had a golden named Shandy!
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jillincolorado
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What a loverly tribute, FG, for a worthy and loyal companion!!!

I always say I love ALL animals, but truth be told, there are a few who rise above and beyond...if you're very very lucky!! <3
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FlashGordon
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Mar 30 2010, 07:45 AM
Awe Flashy, I am so glad you have such a dear soul to love you right now :hug: What a Lovely tribute.

What is funny is that when my Sister and her now husband (of 30ish years) were dating he had a golden named Shandy!
You're kidding! Hubby named her, I guess a Shandy is a drink in England.... beer + lemonade.... yuck, lol! But apparently her coat is a similar color.

It does cause a little confusion as people are always like "Shandy? Sandy? Huh?" :teehee:
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Barn Girl
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Aw, Shandy sounds like a lucky doggie! What a sweet girl.

You really come to appreciate the quiet company of dogs when you're housebound. When I was laid up for over a month with my broken back, my 3 dogs at the time were such great company. There were times when I was happy just to have my sweet beagle, BJ (RIP) lay beside me so I could have a good cry. They just totally GET when you're not feeling well.

BJ and I had a pretty strong bond even though he was hubby's dog, but now I have his granddog Lulu who is 2 and she is mine all the way. She makes me laugh when I get home even after the rottenest day at work. She sees my car and is all like "OMG, Momma's home", she is at the car door before I can open it if she's outside. She has an absolute FIT trying to get a hug and a kiss from me. Hubby doesn't get near the reaction from her. She's a momma's girl thru and thru and it sounds like Shandy is too!

So what is the actual countdown, Flash? You must be getting VERY close! :jingles: that your blood pressure stuff gets worked out quickly.
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onwego
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what a beautiful dog!!!
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kimheller
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We had our male golden for 17 yrs, I always said I would go insane when he passes away, he left us a year to the day from losing our 18 mos old son. When he passed I was so thankful that our son would now have a trusted member of our family to watch out for him.
Our second male golden is now 4 , he is much like your shandy, I find this to be one of the BEST dog breeds EVER!! Our home will never be without a Golden, they are loyal, trust worthy and in our house EVERYONES best friend, without our Sam our house would not be a home!!!
Glad you have Shandy to keep you company, wait until the new baby comes home, Sam has spent every night since our youngest child arrived sleeping at the foot of her crib and now IN HER bed with her, she can't sleep without her Sammy!!!!!
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Onelanerode
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What a lovely girl! :) My little black dog is the same in many ways. It's always Truman who's being a PITA about something ... Winston rarely does something he's not supposed to. Winston's just really easy ... easy to work with, easy to be around, easy.

Thank goodness for our wonderful pups. :)
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