I ♥ Faces--Pets

I ♥ Faces--Pets

This is our sweet dog, Alia Serendipity, who will be turning 15 on June 21st! That's amazingly old for a large dog. We took lots of pictures of her this year, like this holiday shot, thinking this will probably be her last Christmas. I love that she fell asleep next to the wooden ornament that looks like her.

She's been with us since long before the kids were born and was there for both of their home births. She howled along with me during labor when I hit transition, the most painful part. When the kids were born, the Dr. told us the dogs would "welcome them in to the pack with a kiss." and for us to let them. Then there would never be any jealousy issues or problems with the dogs relating to the baby.

Sure enough, our 3 dogs lined themselves up, oldest to youngest and came up to give the newborn a lick on the face and then quietly lay back down. It was amazing! And we never had a moment of conflict with any of them, even when the kids learned to stand by pulling themselves up using the dogs' hairy sides or snacked in front of them. She was also extremely brave and patient last summer, when our neighbor shot her in the leg with a BB Gun. She barely whimpered, through multiple trips to the vet to treat the wound.

So, this is for Alia, who has already outlived all our other big dogs by at least two years. You've been a good friend and a loving family member. And like the meaning of your middle name, Serendipity, you have been an unexpected good thing, enriching all of our lives.