In the Beginning

This photo is very special to me and brings back many fond memories as it's the first photo of us together. Erin had been with me for 2 months when this shot was taken at Mom's house and little did I know how special our relationship would ultimately become. While my heart was stolen in little time, the decision to get a puppy was not made in haste nor was there any aspect that wasn't researched to the utmost of my ability. Magazines on dog breeds and the internet were scoured for dog-related information as I generated a short list of breeds based on my required criteria. A female was preferred for several reasons and there would be no compromise on that issue nor that she be long-coated. Size, intelligence, attractiveness, temperament, trainability, health issues, etc were studied and three worthy finalists made the cut with the English Springer Spaniel being exactly what I sought. My future companion was awaiting me but first had to be found and on a chilly January day that event occurred and neither one of us would ever be the same.

A 45 minute drive from Savannah led me to a rural setting where dogs could be heard barking from behind the house; an enclosure with a litter of puppies and mom with sagging teats were spotted as the owners came out to greet me. The pups excitedly licked and nibbled upon my fingers through the fence while yelping for my undivided attention but one bundle of fur caught my eye...She showed genuine interest in me without the over exuberance of her siblings and that carried much sway but the process was far from over. Each of the adorable youngsters were held, examined, and scrutinized with the floppy-eared girl continuing to capture my attention until finally I decided she would make a great addition to my life. It was hard to not feel sorry for the mother as I clutched her baby; those soulful eyes expressed sadness as undoubtedly she knew another child was leaving forever and indeed that's what happened.

Towels were placed upon the passenger seat for the ride home but she refused to stay put and repeatedly climbed over the center console to be near me. Her determination was greater than mine thus I allowed her to remain on my lap where a finger was offered in an effort to quiet the whimpering and in due time she fell asleep suckling my index finger. Estastically a smile was plastered on my face as this innocent sweet creature was now part of the family and the next step was naming my new friend though that didn't take much thought as one had been chosen already. Erin was bestowed upon her and it seemed a good choice as the years went by; The name of Irish origin means "Peace" and she certainly brought that to my life. She was taken back to the apartment where every scent was repeatedly inhaled while that inquisitive puppy nature had her investigating everything within reach; Erin would dash off only to return a minute later to check on my whereabouts. Before days end we visited family members whom spoiled her rotten but the excitement wore the youngster out and with that it was time to return home for deserved sleep.

We survived our first day together and many many more; I look upon that day as the beginning of the best period in my life while giving my heart to Erin remains the wisest decision I ever made!! RIP Erin!!