So thankful for the humans and canines in my life. Four of them are pictured above. From left to right - Alli, collie aka Moose (when Grand lady is in the house), Libby and Ezra and my sweet Grand lady Alli. Confused...I can explain.
For those of you who know me or have been following my blog or fb page for some time probably noticed my double use of the name Alli. I think it's time to finally set the record straight. I know people must be very confused when I speak about Alli collie and Alli granddaughter. It wasn't in the plans really, it just kind of happened that way.
Alli, collie came already named. Not something that usually happens and not something I truly enjoy. I love choosing just the right name for our new canine companions as they join our family. But Alli collie had been named from the start and she knew her name quite well...so Alli it was.
Meanwhile, my daughter has always loved the name Alli. She had planned that if she was ever blessed to have a daughter, said daughter would be named Alli...and so it is. We never thought we would have coinciding Alli names in the family...really who would have thought it. But, here we are and so we adapt.
It all worked out very well actually. Sweet Alli, collie had been nicknamed Moose by one of the terriers, long before our Grand lady arrived. Yes, she was nicknamed by one of the terriers, you heard me right. Now that's another story...
My sweet husband who is quite normal, I assure you, and not one to be gushy and mushy about our animals, like...well me, occasionally talks to the animals. Or should I say, our animals talk to him.
One day, out of the blue, he informed me quite seriously that Libby (the small brown and white terrier) had become quite frustrated with new puppy Alli and called her "Moose" as plain as day. He heard it. "You heard it?," I said as I put my hand to his forehead. Well...No...not exactly audibly. Oh, thank heavens...as his forehead was cool as a cucumber.
He further explained that while Alli, collie, was being a bit overwhelming at a particular moment - Libby, with a look of utter disgust and frustration, gazed into my husband's face and so much as called Alli "a Moose"! I said, "a Moose. Why Moose?" He looked at me, as if to say, just follow me, please. I don't have animals speaking to me daily and I must get this out. He proceeded to explain, "isn't it obvious...you know the size difference and all, Alli can be quite intimidating to little Libby." He has a point, you can plainly see the size difference in the picture.
Now, I have to pause right here, dear readers, unless you should get worried about our little Libby. As all good terrier owners know, no matter their small stature, terriers are perfectly able to take good care of themselves.
And so the name Moose has stuck. Libby seems quite pleased with herself when she hears us call Alli, collie Moose. Very pleased indeed.
Which is now a very good thing. Thank you Libby! We can now use Moose or Moosie when Grand lady is in the house. Said Moosie aka Alli collie will come when called Moose. AND by said Grandlady Alli. Are you following me? Good...
I know now it all makes perfect sense and I can get back to what I am thankful for...
I am so thankful for my sweet family both human and canine. Especially thankful for my dear husband, partner in all things. I am sure he had no idea he'd be hearing the animals speak to him when we met 35 years ago. I look forward to the marathon...um, er...the Thanksgiving holiday with you - I could not do it all without you!
I am thankful for laughter and good friends, like Paula who help me to see the funnier side of life.
I am so thankful for the gift of doing what I love...training people to train their dogs.
For my new training facility that is a gift that seemingly fell right out of the sky. I know it didn't, it was in my Father's plan for me. I continue to walk forward in happy expectation to all you have in store for me in this new place!
And...I am thankful to the One who put my feet on this wonderful journey, full of ups and downs, twists and turns but also full of His promises, grace and love... He puts all things right and helps it all make sense!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
