I walked into the pet shop with my sister, Cheri, to see if there were any little schnauzer/poodle mix puppies for sale. We walked to the back of the store slowly and with anticipation as we approached the kennels. There were several puppies behind the glass but my eyes locked on one little black/silver puppy that was cowering in the back of her cage. I asked to hold her and as she was handed to me I noticed her fur was greasy and she had a particular odor that wasn’t very pleasant. But that didn’t matter for her eyes met mine and didn’t leave my face. As I pulled her closer to cradle her against my chest, she wrapped her front legs around me and snuggled her head against my neck. I knew she was mine. There were other puppies to see, but I couldn’t look at them. I couldn’t let her go and said I would take her. We had to leave for a short period of time to get John to make sure he was okay with me getting a puppy and as the store employee tried to take her from me she wrapped her legs tighter around my neck. It took all I had to pull her away and give her back so she could get bathed and ready for us to take her home.

She’s been by my side for 17 years, through thick and thin and no matter what kind of attitude I have, she loves me. She prances in front of and next to me when I’m doing chores, she “talks” to the horses if they get a bit rowdy, and they respect and listen to her. At night she curls into my body, keeps me warm, even during my hot flashes (lol) and snores like a freight train. She’s Lainey, my dog and my dear friend.

She’s watched Nick and Danielle grow up and now helps out with Collins. She and Collins have a nice bond, and it amazes me how gentle Collins is with her. They both will sit together on my lap to read a book or watch the cows on tv. I think Collins may be the coolest granddaughter ever, and I think Lainey agrees with me!

When JJ was still alive, Lainey would ride him with me, go to horse shows with us, and we would teach lessons together. I loved having my two best buds with me, teaching with me, and spending the day with me. She and JJ helped me raise Sassy, we were a great team back then. JJ is gone now, and we all miss him very much. I don’t have her ride with me now with JJ gone, but she still comes out in warm weather and follows whoever I am riding. I love watching her come shooting out the door when John lets her out to see me. She runs off the deck and then stops, scans the horses, lifts up her nose to find me by my scent, and then positions herself behind the horse I am riding. She looks up at me with anticipation in her eyes, and off we go. It’s such a delightful feeling to have a dog love you that much.

She rules the roost here in the house with our other three dogs. They listen to her, honor her, and she gets to always eat first and drink first. It amazes me how a 10-pound dog can boss around dogs that weight 50-75 pounds. I do love how they are with her though. They play and chase her, lay by her when she’s not feeling well, and wait to finish her food until she walks away and “gives” them her bowl.

She has “hit the road” with me several times. We’ve flown to Georgia together and she fits under the seat in front of me, while resting in her little travel bag. We’ve traveled the road to Oklahoma several times and she is a great little companion that makes the road seem less lonely and hotel rooms cozy.

Lainey, I will cherish every single day I get with you and consider it a gift. I am so grateful that you have rallied, your eyes are brighter, you pranced down the hall this morning in your old usual way to find me, with your tail wagging! You’ve been playful, less shaky, and have been coming outside with me in the afternoon for a bit. I am so grateful that you are still here. Please don’t leave for a very long time. Okay? Good, now that I’ve got you to agree with me, I’m off to order you a new coat to wear, it’s a bit chilly out there and we have things to do and people to see!