08/26/2026
It’s National Dog Day, and I can’t let it pass by without honoring some of the beautiful souls past and present who we’ve been lucky enough to share part of our lives with. I’ve had a love for dogs my entire life. I can’t imagine a world where I exist, without the love and companionship of a dog (or 2 or 3). As a young toddler, I remember Doodles, our loyal and protective Dachshund, Roscoe the big goofy St. Bernard, and then there was Pablo, my chocolate toy poodle, who lived to be about 19 years old. From there once I had moved out on my own, we ended up with two little raggedy red dogs who stole our hearts and lived with us for a long, long time all the way until we had a child of our own and a few years beyond. Buck and Sparky were legendary to say the least! Then came Daisy Mae.. the sweetest happiest most fun loving little Beagle/Jack Russell mix. We had Lillie who was a plot hound mix, and only with us for a short time as she was tragically hit by a car. Sweet sweet Pebbles Jane came next she was our border collie mix, our shy, loving and oh so gentle, kind and beautiful weather girl. She could let you know two days before a storm was coming. We ended up with another little sweetie, our Boston terrier, Sassy Lou, who came to us from my mom when she could no longer live at home on her own and care for her sweet girl. I never knew I could love her that much until she was mine and not my mom’s. Then came one of the greater loves of my life, Zulu our standard poodle. He was beautiful and regal, loving and loyal, and he was totally my dog. He loved our family with all his heart, but deep down he and I had a bond like no other. Of course he was taken all too soon as most of you know about two months ago. And now we have Charlie Cooper, a.k.a. Chuck. He is a quirky, sweet and funny little mini Burnedoodle who has stolen my heart all over.. who also just came into our life when we needed him and didn’t even know we did and he needed us as much as we needed him. My heart aches sometimes at the loss of some, yet feels so full with all of the love these sweet dogs have given me through my lifetime. I celebrate them today, on National Dog Day!