Saturday, February 1, 2014

Photo - Heart Connection ~ January


This photo was taken on January 5, 2014, the day my baby boy turned 11.

It is so hard to believe that he is 11 already. It seems just yesterday that we were talking to our breeder at the Detroit Dog Show and she was telling me about a litter of puppies that she had and was having a hard time finding homes for them. Really?

I wasn't sure if I really wanted to add a second dog, we already had Devil Dog at home, see last month's Photo-Heart Connection post here for the story of Devil Dog. But maybe a playmate for Devil Dog would be a good idea. Better for him to chew on a fellow dog than us. So I agreed to take a look at the puppies and we set up a time for us to come over.

There were three puppies looking for a home. Two boys and one girl. I knew I wanted a boy. So we checked out both boys. Scout seemed to just scoot over into our laps and instantly won our hearts. He had the longest ears which made him look a little bit comical, but the saddest eyes. How could I say no to that. So of course we packed him up and took him with us.

I have never regretted that decision. He quickly got Devil Dog whipped into shape, and helped turn Riley into a wonderful dog.

Some of Scout's downfalls: he can't be left alone with a pair of socks, the kitchen towels, paper, the dog sitter's bills, or stuffed dog toys. As I am typing this he just came out of the bedroom with two socks in his mouth from on top of the dresser. Some things never change.

He is momma's baby needing to be near me most all of the time. When I do my stretching exercises in the morning a lot of times he will come lay on me and for me to continue I have to move off the yoga mat and onto the floor, leaving him with the yoga mat. Oh the things we do for our dogs.

Still I would never trade a day of it. His hips are starting to give him a little trouble, but for the most part he still does quite well. I know that that day will come when we must say goodbye, but I hope that is still a few years away, because I have a hard time imagining my life without my dear Scout.

Joining Kat for Photo-Heart Connection

43 comments:

Deborah Tisch said...

Sarah, you had me laughing when you wrote about giving up your yoga mat! Have you thought of getting Scout his own mat?? Just wonderin...

I love this photo-heart connection!

stacie said...

He's so adorable Sarah! I love seeing photos of your goldens. I thing I told you, my golden runs when I bring out the camera...it's like I beat him with it or something??? He does pose beautifully for my daughter!

cheryl Crotty said...

he is beautiful Sarah...my daughter has a Golden and they are just the sweetest dogs...enjoy him.

Andy said...

Excellent photo. Those eyes look like they have a story behind them.

Nonnie said...

what a sweet testimony about your dogs, especially Scout. when we lived in the country, we had a black Lab. she thought she was a lap dog, only with my husband. DJ would try the same with me, but up would go my hand, and she'd saunter over to "Dad" and wiggle up on his lap. I'm only 5 ft. 1; Hubby was 6 ft. so he had more room to accomodate that sweet dog.

Anonymous said...

What an enjoyable post. Time rushes by so quickly and before you know it they have white snouts showing their age. I can tell he is just a true sweetheart of a pup. xox

Dotti said...

A beautiful dog and a noble spirit ... socks and all! {{ Big Smile }}

Roxi H said...

Such a great shot if him! I'll always remember the photo of the two of them with signs hanging and birthday hats.

sweetbriardreams said...

It's true that the time is too quick and too short for our little members of the family. My Coco has just turned eight and I noticed she now has a grey whisker. A little distinguished now, but still my baby. xx

Lynne said...

Of course you know I am crying . . . sweet Scout, be well for a long, long, long time!

Cathy H. said...

Beautifully written, Sarah, and he's such a sweet looking guy!

Karen Lakis said...

Awwwwww, Scout is so adorable and sweet. We used to have a lab who had such a sweet disposition. We had her for nearly 16 years and still miss her. I really look forward to the day when we can have a dog again.

Anonymous said...

This is a fun post. I'm glad you gave Scout equal time! I wish both of your "boys" years more of happy, healthy life.

Unknown said...

He's absolutely adorable. Love the tones and how you framed Scout. Beautiful heart connection Sarah.

Unknown said...

Very beautiful photo! and I had a giggle about the yoga mat too!

gina said...

Such a sweet photo of this special member of your family! Does he do down dog with you?

Anonymous said...

I totally get this post. Had to say good bye to my 14 year old boy last year. I miss him so.

Deanna said...

what a beautiful picture of a beautiful dog....yes, we do so love our dogs!!

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

What is it about dogs and tea towels ? My friend had a beautiful Labrador called Monty who always greeted us at the gate with a welcome gift of a tea towel !

EG CameraGirl said...

Such a lovely photo of a handsome dog! To me his eyes look deep and thoughtful.

Unknown said...

I love this photo - such expressive eyes! Before we got our two dogs I never realized what personalities dogs have! Your Scout and my Sunshine would have a battle over the socks!

Miriam said...

Oh he is just beautiful and I completely understand giving up your yoga mat for him. I have a Princess that landed on her feet when I rescued her 7 years ago this month. Lovely PHC

Lynn said...

what a gorgeous photo and such a sweet sweet story.

Kathryn Dyche said...

I love this shot, it speaks volumes. We have a black lab at home that also has a thing for socks, paper towels, paper and so many other things. In fact we don't have children but I found myself in the baby aisle purchasing a safety lock for our kitchen cupboard that houses the trash as she learnt to open it and get into all the contents. Got to love them though.

Unknown said...

Heart-warming story and photograph, thank you so much for sharing it.

MaggieGem said...

Beautiful portrait... he looks like a real mushkin at heart!

Maria Ontiveros said...

What a beautiful portrait and a beautiful dog. I couldn't imagine our life without our girls.
rinda

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

That is such a lovely photo! His eyes tell a story. When I used to do yoga, my late cat Waddles would sit on the mat beside me. I had to tailor my moves so as not to disturb her. :-)

Maggid said...

Perfect story - marvelous photo . . . I sure do hear ya - loud and clear . . when we have to give them back . . . sigh.

Kat Sloma said...

"Oh the things we do for our dogs." So true! Thank you for sharing this wonderful image and story in the Photo-Heart Connection this month. I love the detail about the socks. We are who we are, dog or human, aren't we? Some things can be changed but other things are just how we are. I hear such love and acceptance in this story of your lovely Scout. I hope he has many more years with you, too.

jp@A Green Ridge said...

You relinquishing the yoga mat made me smile...must be the age...Copper sits on my belly while I do my stretches !...:)JP

nancyjean said...

hi sarah...oh those beautiful soulful eyes! It is amazing how the years fly by...I hope he has many more wonderful years with you!

Pondside said...

Hi Sarah - thanks for the visit - so nice to have a chance to visit your blog!
I'd love to add another dog to the mix here, but daren't until I retire. There's be nothing left of the house!
By the way - great name for your blog!

Sandra said...

So nice to feel your deep connection to this beautiful dog! It sounds as if he was just meant to be part of your family!

Naomi said...

Such a sweetheart! I love his soulful eyes.

Unknown said...

Precious...both image and musings.

xoxo

Suburban Girl said...

My Molly always wanted a pair of socks too. She would even go into the laundry room and find herself a pair! I miss her.

Nancy said...

Sioux is our sock-stealer... she uses them as a security blanket of sorts. Buck is my shadow -- they are 8 and 7 already. Time passes so quickly!

smiles, Sharon said...

First thank you for your lovely comments on my posting...funny we both wrote of dogs and how special they are. BUT you have the amazing, beautifully shot photo of Scout. Another time I will be alone with the dogs and get a proper photo like you did. Love to read of the love and affection pet lovers have for their dog, cat, goldfish...whatever....always heart warming stories. It would be lovely if all people were treated this way...and ALL animals included. Have a great week.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful capture of your beautiful dog, Sarah, and I love the focus on his eyes. I have a sock-stealer too and have been known to lie in really uncomfortable positions so my dogs can be comfie. I know what you're talking about!

Michelle said...

What a beautiful dog! Yes, just like kids, suddenly they're grown. My orange tabby is 18 1/2 yrs old, we lost his brother at 15 to diabetes. I remember the day we got them - oh all the pix & videos! They were our lives back then (pre-children LOL)

Suzette Rothlisberger said...

I love this and the image tugs at my heart. No wonder you chose it for PHC. I have an 11 year old basset...Molly...whom I adore. Her face is pure white now and being a basset, she's lumpy and bumpy and struggles a bit to get up off the floor. Your pup's eyes are so soulful and you've captured his very essence...a life long friend.

Zena said...

This is a wonderful photo-heart connection, pets are such an important part of our lives, aren´t they? I have enjoyed reading both stories and smiled with your words, the photos are amazing.
My cat will be soon 17 years old and she is doing quite well (even when she has to take some pills due to her kidney). We lost her sister three years ago, at 13. Soon it will be the anniversary of her death and it was very hard (even whe she was a cancer survivor for one year and a half). We had to adopt a new kitty two years ago because the remaining cat was extremely sad and didn´t want to live anymore, it was the right decision because she has brought joy again to our lives