Our dog is a Llewellyn Setter going on seven years old. It took him more than six years to warm up to us. Perhaps it’s because of his British lineage that he’s a bit on the stuffy side. On the other hand it could be that he had some giant paws to fill. His predecessor had been part of our family for eleven years and I think he sensed how much we missed him.

This “new” guy has also had to endure some difficult times with us. There were the surgeries, the emotional and painful treatments for cancer – the financial struggles of going into retirement without a retirement plan – the loss and sickness of friends – the wondering if we could stretch a dollar any further – strange working schedules – and people who are growing old.

This dog has eaten a ton of paper towels, toilet paper, junk mail, receipts and yesterday topped it all off with a five dollar bill. I think there may be some truth to ” my dog ate my homework.”

He does have a constitution of steel regardless. He has also eaten an entire loaf of bread with the plastic wrap, a bag of M & Ms, (creating the most colorful barf ever expelled,) a raw chicken breast and destroyed a few shoes as well.

I kind of like this fellow. He’s filled a lot of empty spaces. Thwarted a home invasion while we were away, has always been at the door to greet us when we arrive home, doesn’t expect much except when we get a phone call. It’s at those moments he requires our undivided attention. When he decides to come close to us, he’s very affectionate. He loves us unconditionally, even when we aren’t lovable. I think we’ll keep him.