Dogs and Dads

Happy Father's Day JR!

My Mom is the pack leader but JR is all about the dog.  Big dogs were always a part of our life.  The first dog that I remember was an English Setter named Duffy.  At the age of five, my memory of Duffy is of her chasing me around the back yard trying to grab the seat of my pants with her mouth.  We lived near a lake and on Easter the Easter Bunny brought some ducks to live on the lake.  Duffy, true to her nature, found these presents and retrieved them.  And there the ducks were on the doorstop for the small children to find on Easter morning.  With the memory of the traumatized children fresh in her mind, my mother traded Duffy for some Sycamore trees.  That tree farmer said that Duffy was the best hunting dog he ever had. 

I love that when I visit my parents in Florida, we have more dogs than people in the house. I love that Dad won't watch a movie where a dog gets hurt. I love that Dad's best friend is Mom. 

If I were to describe JR to you, think John Wayne but smart. One of my favorite memories of all time is my first trip home from college where I flew in from UNCG to the Miami airport.  Dad said, "I'll meet you curbside".  I stepped out on the curb with my luggage and he had a look on his face like he had just found his favorite tennis ball. 

When I remember that moment, I know I am loved.