Thankful Day 5

5.  Sammy Dog
Okay, so I had to round out my little family with a post about Sammy.
I am thankful for Sammy Dog.  Our sweet 5 year old mutt dog.  She is in a rather neglected phase right now.  Life with a newborn will do that to a dog.  But she is oh so patient--not only in waiting for attention or a refill in her water bowl, but with Asa who a.b.s.o.l.u.t.e.l.y. adores her.  He is CRAZY about her.  I was thankful for our furry family member before, but seeing how much Asa loves her takes it to a different level.  Hearing him call her "Sammy D" always makes me chuckle.  Hearing him squeal with delight while chasing her around makes me laugh.  Watching him try to "ride" her is hilarious.  And then those big brown eyes look up at me saying, "Are you serious?  Are you going to do anything about this?"  Or other times, everyone is falling apart and Sammy looks at me with eyes of sympathy, we can get through this.  Recently she has also looked at me when AR is fussing as if to say, "You really brought home ANOTHER one of those?!?"  Yes, Sammy, we really did.  And I am so thankful for your patience with these little ones who clamor to climb on you and give you kisses.  You know you are handsomely rewarded with bits of whatever Asa has for snack. :)

Before we had children, it was so nice to come home to the quiet house and have Samantha waiting for me.  When Matt traveled out of town, I knew Sammy was still home with me and would protect me. :)  She has been beyond understanding in the wake of our move from Florida which meant losing her beloved fenced in backyard (I still tear up over that, too, Sammy) filled with lizards to chase all.day.long, not to mention having beautiful, sun-shiney weather the vast majority of the year in which to play outside.  She adapted to snow without really a hitch (not to mention, snow 6 months of the year), not having a backyard really at all at the townhouse, and now having to be tethered to a stake in our unfenced rental home backyard.  She used to claim the large kitchen and family room in FL, and now she calls a little mud room her domain.  I am thankful Sammy has been so adaptable and that one day (hopefully soon-ha!) when Anna Reaghan starts going to bed sooner (and staying in bed?  Too much to ask for?), Sammy can chill with us in the living room again some evenings.

Thanks for hanging in there with us, Sammy D!