"Unconditional Love"




Heidi looking just too cute!

 
On December 24th, 1999, Christmas came a little early in our home.
And in a way my children and I never expected!
WE GOT A DOG! 
Our life changed on the spot because we didn't get just any dog... we got 'Heidi'.


My other half and I, both grew up with pets in the family. He had a dog, and I had dogs and cats. They were major players in our 'growing up' years... instant companions, in it for the long haul, through thick and thin, always at your side. If you had a bad day at school, you knew someone was there to greet you at home... to curl up in your arms and purr contentedly, or to give you a big slurp and a wag of a tail. No one to play catch with? No problem! Your canine pal was ever ready for a good game of fetch. No one to play dolls with? No problem! Your feline friend was happy (???) to be dressed in babydoll clothes and paraded about the neighborhood in a little pink stroller. Cranky and mad, or sad and blue, with no one to talk to? Your goldfish 'Cap'n Highliner' was a great, non-judgemental listener. He never had any answers for you, but you usually felt better after pouring your heart out to him, and that's what counted. And what about those miraculous stories of pets who have saved their humans from harm's path?  No other way shows such unconditional love for another, than to risk your own life for them.

I always thought that when I grew up and had children of my own, we would welcome a pet into our family.
That almost didn't happen. My hubby and I developed allergies to cats, and our children were both diagnosed with asthma/allergies at an early age. It looked like a treasured part of our childhood would not be repeated with our children. However, as they grew, they got stronger and healthier. (yeah!) Their asthma was pretty well controlled, and many of their allergies lessened in severity. (another yeah!) Maybe, just maybe, a pet would find it's way to our house? It could happen...

And then... one day... fate stepped in and made our family complete.

Here's the quickie version of how our family grew in number, and in love, that snowy December day...
Went to spend the day at the local ski hill, ski hill closed, what a bummer, turned around to go home, "what's this?"... home is that way but we're going the other way, where are we going?... the SPCA???!!!, what in heaven's name, go look at the dogs, everyone of them barking except one, she's beautiful, you can see her soul through her eyes, she's the one, papers signed, back in the vehicle, to the pet store, home. And that is how Heidi came to be our family pet.

To this day, I have no idea why my husband turned left instead of right, taking us on that unexpected journey of wonderment. But, I'm glad he did! Heidi has filled our lives with joy, laughter, and undeniably devoted companionship. Her 'unconditional love' has fueled us through the days and years since her arrival, and we couldn't imagine our life without her.

It is a story that pet lovers the world over tell. If you have a pet, you know what I mean.
If you don't own a pet, but have it in your heart to 'grow' your family, visit your local rescue society...
and be prepared to fall in love. And, oh yes... get out your camera!



Keep on keeping on... bArB :)