Penny Morse July 1996- February 2012

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.