They fly in the door, trailing snow, one with rosy cheeks, both with bright eyes. As each jostles the other for post position, they enter the family room to greet me.
Frick and Frack are home after a romp in the snow.
My youngest and our black Lab mix have an ever evolving relationship that makes me smile.
He was eight when we rescued her, a tiny slip of a boy. She was all muscle, mainly from the herding dog in her. This combo made for some harrowing trips down the stairs as she rushed to precede him, or jostled him to the left or right to herd in proper fashion, barking bossily along the way.
Since day one, she has treated him as her charge, unable to believe a boy that size should hold sway over her. She has adopted my baby as hers, rivaling me in fierce protectiveness and motherly love.
He is the only one in our family who endures Bailey’s wet licks to his nose and mouth. His feet and hands are equally as susceptible. It seems she just loves the salty taste of pure boy, overlooking some of the less appetizing aromas from sweaty gym shoes and the like.
I see him getting older. I’m not sure Bailey does, which is probably just as well. One of us should be able to hold on to the little boy version of him.
She is never happier than when he has friends over and a ball is bouncing in the driveway, as she barks and runs between them. He forgives her the many chewed soccer balls, lost baskets due to her furry body running interference and late-night requests to go outside.
In quieter moments, I often find them using each other as pillows, his head on her belly as he reads, her head on his leg as they stretch out on the couch.
It makes me smile to see two of my best loved so enamored of each other.
We should all be so lucky.
candidkay 
I be one of the lucky ones. Jake the Dog splashes kisses in my face when unleash expect it, generally when I’m wiping his feet, er, paws. I don’t mind it and I’m no child (my wife might think otherwise as many wives do about their husbands, but those ‘kind’ words roll off my back like water on a duck…mist husbands feel that way, too). He’s a bl lab/gr Dane mix, our third rescue and while slowing at 12, he’s a vital part of our lives. Dogs are wonderful for kids, all kids, the little kind and the big kind. Nice story
Jake sounds lovely! You are a lucky man, indeed :).
That is so lovely. It gets me a little choked up when I think how dogs are such a part of our children’s childhoods. They grow up (and in the dog’s case) grow old together. So poignant.
I get equally as choked up, given I’m a bleeding heart for dogs anyway:). I can’t stand the thought that she’ll leave us someday. But you’re right–they will grow older together. And hopefully, have each other until he is ready to go to college.
So sweet! I love this post!
Thank you:). I do too because it stars two of my favorite souls.
I think much of what a child learns about love comes from growing up with a pet. What a beautiful love story, for them both. And you get to witness it.
I know! I feel so lucky:). And you’re right–a child can learn so much about love, esp. unconditional love, from a furry friend. Thank you for the kind words.
That is an amazing love affair. Warmed my heart.
Mine too, every single time I see it:).
You capture special moments so well. Thanks for sharing these.
Bests friends for life! We should all be so lucky. Gorgeous pics 🙂
What a charming pair they make. Love that she watches over him. So sweet!
Sometimes I think she bests me, Amy:).
Never! ❤ xoxo
Indeed.
Gorgeous! Both of them!
Aw, thank you! I, of course as a proud mum, think so:).
Makes me smile too
Oh, Kay, what a sweet and dynamic duo! 🙂 Nothing comes between a boy and his pet. ♡♡
Unconditional love comes in many forms 🙂
Great post Kay.
Thanks, Mark. I think our furry friends sometimes best us in this regard:).
We can learn much from them….and our kids too 😀
What a great pair!
Well, I think so but I might be the teensiest bit biased:).