We were very excited when Mom brought
you home that September. You were a tiny white fur ball with freshly
grown spots. Brother and I argued constantly over who got to hold and
cuddle you. Then we debated over what we were to call you. It was
decided a name from 101 Dalmatian should be chosen. Brother wanted to
call you Pongo despite you being a baby girl. I wanted to call you
Purdy or Lucky. Mom settled the argument by choosing Penny which she
found in one of our Dalmatian colouring books. That's what we finally
agreed to call you. You were officially a member of the family.
You quickly settled in our home. We
would rush home after school so that we could play with you. We would
hide in another room and call your name so that you would sprint to
where our voices rang to jump onto our laps and lick our giggling
faces. You loved running and playing in the yard. You especially
loved it when we'd throw your toys for you to fetch. It was always
fun watching you chew on your dad's shoes and then lay in them
because you were that small and his feet were that big. I think you
loved dad most of all. And then our sister came that October. I don't
think you knew what to do at first with another baby in the house.
But you eventually adapted.
Even as a puppy you were so spunky. You
were determined to show us what a Dalmatian puppy is all about. You
enjoyed going on long walks and short walks. As you grew up, it
became less clear on who was was walking whom. You loved table
scraps, and if you couldn't charm us into giving you tidbits, you
were very clever in waiting until you could steal it. When you were
hungry or wanted a snack before bed, you would flip your food dish
and send it clattering across the floor.
As the years went by, you went through
stages of growth. By the time you were four, you made it clear that
it would be a one dog house. You never liked baths, but you loved
swimming, especially if your dad threw the toy towards the ducks. You
went on all of our vacations. You also seem to love kicking mom out
of bed. You hated the kennel place and would freak out if we ever
passed it on the road. Mom and I took pleasure out of teasing you for
it. At home, you were so funny whenever you pass gas. Apparently,
they were pretty bad for even you, because you'd look at the nearest
person, growl at them and walk away. You would run around and play
while I clean up your residue in the back yard, and would make sure
to make a fresh one when I finish the rest. You loved laying on the
sofa in front of the fire. And every holiday when we have a nice
supper, you always eagerly awaited your plate of treats and then
would sneak a few extras from a few of us at the table. You loved it
when we moved out into the country. Walking through the BLM land
became a routine and you enjoyed running around and chasing the
critters.
In the last couple of years, your pace
has slowed down, but you've still enjoyed life. The fire never left
you and you still kept the spunk and spark to the very end. Now,
maybe you can go back to chasing critters and never tire, and eat
meat without breaking out. We love you, baby girl and we'll miss you.
Goodbye, my sister.
