Man's Best Friend

Day Three: On a very light note, I love my dogs. We have a 3.5 year old English Springer Spaniel, Halie, and a 2.5 year old Cairn Terrier (like Toto), Truck. Both girls.They are both sitting on the couch with me now. They are the first two dogs I've ever had. I am so thankful for these dogs. They bring so much joy to our household.

Truck is a very sensitive dog. She scares easily (and Jason is often scary - think loud noises and quick movements). She has very slowly warmed up to us. Seriously, its only been in the last few months that she has started to come and sit with people of her own volition. She gets really excited when we come home (when anyone comes to our home for that matter). As far as dogs go, I'd say she is a lot like a cat. She is a finicky eater. She rarely eats when someone is watching. She loves to sit on the back of the couch. She gives attention on her terms only. Unlike a cat, she doesn't scratch and bite. I like that. She loves to play. She is especially quick and cute to watch when she runs to play with toys. She LOVES squeaky toys. She loves to have her belly rubbed. She really loves Halie. She is a sweet dog and she makes my life happier.

Halie is a hugger. I didn't know dogs could be, but she most definitely is one. She likes to climb in your lap and shove her head under your chin and rub it there - like she can't possibly get close enough. She loves people. She is not a finicky eater - if it can be eaten, she will eat it. She is obedient. She LOVES my dad. Really. She is super friendly with other dogs and all people. She piddles (that means she pees a little) when she is excited or feels guilty. She does feel guilty. When we come home and she has done something she knows she shouldn't have - like eat a whole plate of blueberry muffins that I cooked that morning from scratch - she doesn't meet me at the door, she curls up in a ball, and hangs her head. She wishes she could always sleep in our bed. We don't allow this, usually. Sometimes when Jason travels, I let them both sleep on the bed so I have company. When Jason is sick, he lets her too.

We love these little pups. Ariel does too and they are REALLY good with her. Halie lets Ariel crawl all over her, literally. Truck lets her give her kisses. They even let her "throw" their toys for them. "Throw" meaning take toys from them and throw them on the floor nearby when she is done with them. They even recognize the difference between Ariel's toys and their toys. I am convinced they will be an awesome, memorable part of her childhood.

I love these dogs and I am so thankful that they are a part of our family. Thank you, God, for pets (especially these two) and the special kind of companionship offer.