The Canine Blues.

I have been a dog lover my entire life. I don't remember what started the love. I don't remember when it started. I just know I love dogs.

One of my earliest memories is my dad explaining God to me. He used dogs. I've always understood everything in terms of dogs. They're so easy. They just understand. I wanted to show dogs up until I was 15. My first job was dogs. I melt when I see dogs. I am fluent in the language of dogs.

But you haven't met my dog.


Misty at the height of life

I was eight when my parents finally gave in. We looked for a year. We had to fill all these requirements. There was a dog that lived across the street though. She was a Norwegian elkhound, and my sister didn't seem to be allergic. We ended up buying the same breed from the same breeder. My sister and I fell in love with different puppies. I truly believe it's the only time I got my choice when it came down to me and Jemma.

She was always mine and I was always hers and I can't really explain our bond. She's never bit. She's never scratched. She just sits and gives her love. She has this feeling of ownership for eight year old girls; they remind her of me. I taught her tricks. She was always was eager to learn. She is the most well-behaved dog ever. The last time she was on a leash she was two. Every night we slept under the same roof, she was curled in the crutch of my legs. When I had a bad day, she was there. Even when I let her down. I don't see her as often as I used to, but she's always close by.

And now I'm 23 (on 11/20) and now she's 15. And my dad called me today to tell me she can't walk very well anymore and the day is coming soon. I just wanted to let everyone meet my dog before it's too late, because she is fantastic and I wish everyone had met her in person. She would have made each and every one of you a dog person.

I'll be back in a couple days.