May I introduce Shelby, our 8 year old white Lab. She walks more than she runs, she snoozes more often than not and yet after she's warmed up her faithful bones she comes running towards me with the same love as her puppy days.
She is always beside me, no matter the weather or what I’m doing. She’s not a gardener but she’s my right hand. She not a photographer but she follows me on my quest for just the right light. She’s not a cook but she'd love to be the taste tester. She’s not interested in cleaning but she definitely makes way for my vacuum. She is a Labrador Retriever who hates water.
Shelby is my loyal friend, she is my protector, she greets me after 15 minutes of not being with me with the same enthusiasm as a 3 day separation. She sleeps at my side of the bed and when it’s time to wake up she lays her head near my face and exhales deeply and slowly until I open my eyes, then I hear her wagging tail thump upon the floor. She is mine and I am her’s. She knows when I’m sick, sad or in need of a hug and when I’m happy she is there to share in the glory.
She’s a big girl, all 100 pounds of her. When she gallops towards me with a full head of steam, I prepare to be knocked down but she always slows down and gently puts her head to my leg so I can pet her. I love her - totally, completely and with gratitude.
When the grandbabies visit, she wakes several times during the night to walk around to each bed and check on them when she is satisfied that they are safe then she settles down to sleep til the next check. The grandbabies crawl all over her, lovin' her and she never blinks an eye...I think she loves all their attention.
Yesterday I visited Charlene's blog My Heart's Ease and was deeply moved by her post. Charlene has a video from years ago of The Johnny Carson Tonight Show and his guest, Jimmy Stewart reading a poem about his beloved dog... go here scroll down to the Jimmy Stewart video…his poem will touch your heart!
Now I've gotta run...cause it's time to play with Shelby!
