Good Dog

Family Portrait by Raychel. Jade is in the corner.

Jade-n-Mollie Yes, those are some sa-weet couches you see. These were purchased before James and I were married. They were promptly replaced. ;)
Best Friends: Darwin and Jade. Cecilee and I often refer to our dogs as "our first born children". Jade's mouth/snout area is all white now from age. I was informed that Darwin had 13 teeth pulled this week. It's "ruff" (pun intended, har har) even for a dog to get old.

Faithful Jade keeping watch over her yard.

So I experienced a “first” last weekend. I got bit by a dog…my own dog. However, it wasn't her fault! As I've mentioned before, I use this blog as a journal. I thought this little story was definitely a “journal worthy” entry.

Last Saturday, I took Anna and Leah out on their scooters (or “stootas” as my girls call them) for an afternoon ride. The weather was a beautiful 70 degrees. The sun was shining, and there was a soft breeze blowing. Perfect. Anna was way ahead of me, and Leah was way behind me. Jade and I were walking in the middle. As we rounded a corner, a fat, ugly mutt dog came charging out of nowhere chasing Anna. Jade went ballistic. Those of you that know my Jade, know she does not take kindly to other dogs. I thought, “Great. I have to make sure my dog doesn’t break the leash, and I have to make sure that animal does not get to my girl.” Once the mutt dog realized there was another dog, he stopped and turned around. Jade immediately quit barking. The dog approached Jade and snipped at her! Jade promptly defended herself by attacking back. In the meantime, my leg got in the way, and I now have two big round K-9 bruises to prove it. The owner came strolling out. Yes! Strolling. She beckoned for her animal, “Spanky! Come!” I’m serious. The dog’s name was "Spanky". Just so you know, I am not polite when these little incidences happen. All dogs should be on a leash. Period. Even if your dog is “nice”, mine isn’t. Please be respectful of others and properly contain your dog. She gives me a token apology, and I gave her my token, “mmhmm” (Nope, I don’t say, “That’s ok” because it’s not ok!). We continued on our walk without further disruption.

I share this story because this was a turning point for my Jade. Since Jade has been a part of our family, she has always barked at other dogs (and has never stopped when commanded to stop). Saturday was different because she was barking to defend us. When she saw the mutt dog about to attack her family, she got defensive. Once the mutt dog was aware she was present, she stopped barking. Jade only became aggressive when “Spanky” bit first. I just love that kind of loyalty. It’s the loyalty and commitment that can only be found in a dog. It’s unconditional. It’s fierce.

The other day I took Jade to school when I picked up Raychel. Raychel, of course, had to walk Jade to the car. My dog was completely docile and meek as 30-pound Raychel led 60-pound Jade. She never pulled or got distracted. Good dog. My girl is very much in love with her “Jaders” too. Always scratching her belly and hugging her neck. In fact, you can say to Jade, “Where’s Raychel?” and she will tilt her head back and forth totally alert. Once Raychel comes in to view, she will immediately roll over for her belly rub. Is there anything better than that?