(Reprinted from the Dec. 7, 2001 Suburban News)
As I walked into our bedroom, Jennie rolled an eye at me; but didn’t raise her head from my pillow. She was lying in her stretched-out, comfortable daytime spot on our bed. Everyday, when the bed is made a sheet is spread over all of it so our dog can enjoy it. No special dog bed in some dark corner, for after all, she is a member of the family.
During the holiday season, lots of friends and family drop by and sometimes Jennie can be a nuisance. She loves people. Even a burglar, as he climbed in a window would be greeted and loved beyond expectations.
She certainly is our very best animated door bell. She loves to bark hello and sometimes doesn’t quit until her bark collar is securely fastened around her neck.
When she becomes a real nuisance, she is sent to exile in one of the family cars. She never minds because she doesn’t think it’s punishment as she loves cars; any car.
When we have company for a meal she behaves and never begs. If she is at the opposite end of the house and asleep, the lightest scrape on a dish brings her on the run.
If I should ask her to come and join me for a walk or to just be tied out, she will often ignore me; but if I should just remove the car keys from my pocket she’s there ready to ride shotgun on any trip to anywhere.
When I left her in the locked car at the shopping center, she loses her friendly ways and growls and barks at any stranger who might even touch her car. She also curls up on a front seat to keep it warm for us in cold weather.
For more than five years now, she’s earned her keep as she has loved us and ours as part of our immediate family. She doesn’t need a holiday as everyday is a holiday for her.
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