Rescued

I don't post too many personal stories, but this story ends a chapter of who I am.  Whose dog knew to run to the backdoor anytime she heard a spray paint can being shaken?  This one.  Lilly knew that sound meant we were going outside.  It's not that she loved the outside, she had a cushioned bed in every room, fans, and central heating and air, but she DID love me, and where I went, she went.  My house has handles that are curved and years ago I stopped shutting doors b/c if you closed one with her on the other side, she'd open it.  Which is cute...until you have company over that want to use your restroom...and you have to explain your dog has an open door policy, so....either take her with you, or make sure that lock is secure.  I've had a lot of dogs in my years-Lilly and Max where the first two that I got as an adult.  I got Lilly from the SPCA a year after I got Max.  He needed a friend, but I didn't realize how much I needed one too.  On this side of heaven, our friendships with others are going to have times of difficulties, it's part of humanity, and also...how we grow.  But friendship with a dog, in particular, this friend?  It was perfect.  She never held a grudge, was never burdened to see me, and was interested in everything I said and did. I never doubted she was a little blessing God granted me to remember what it felt like to feel perfect love for no other reason than I chose her.    I lost her in May.  She had 13 years, 12 of those wonderful years with me.  She is without a doubt the smartest dog I've ever owned, and the most loving.  I miss her.  Every.  Day.  She starred in most of my blog post, even if she didn't make the photo cut, no doubt she was close by when the photo was being taken, and often retaken b/c she stuck her nose in the shot.  I know there are other dogs waiting to be rescued, indeed, I've started a new chapter in my own life, but this girl....what a gift.  I sure hope there are pets in heaven b/c 12 years wasn't nearly enough time with this sweet girl.  When I grow up, I hope I love half as well as she did.