Seven years ago we searched for the perfect dog. We checked out many places, answered many ads and was ran out of a couple yards by a couple SCARY dogs and then one magical Saturday in December I found an ad place in the Tulsa World. It simply said, "Border Collie Mix to Loving Home, $25.00. Jenks" It was intriguing and I thought, "why not?" So we packed up in the car and drove to Jenks. We pulled down the driveway of a mini ranch and walked into the yard of beautiful dogs. The woman introduced us to Spirit, who she simply stated had a lot of potential and needed more one on one time. She was full grown and even though I'd like to say she was beautiful I will have to admit, she could use a haircut. She was immediately attached to the girls. She simply stated that Spirit needed more attention and made us promise that if it didn't work out we would bring her back. At that point we knew she must be a good dog. We loaded her up and brought her home.
The first few days were rather interesting. We had to wonder if we would have to take her back to the sweet lady because even though she was attached to the girls she didn't think much of John. She would bark from the time his feet hit the floor in the mornings until he was out the door. He finally won her over by throwing on my robe until he was ready to leave the house.
She hasn't been the perfect dog. She's chewed up a couple chairs, "executed" a few barbies, thrown up a few times, pooped a few more places then outside ate a casserole or two. But she has ALWAYS loved, protected and entertained the Underwood family. She has chased away birds, squirrels, rabbits, rotweilers, teenage boys and delivery men.
Over the past seven years she has become a part of the family. She has not only loved the girls unconditionally but the entire family. She has won the hearts of friends, family and always receives a warm greeting and hug by friends of the girls when coming to visit. She has not only licked the girls faces, but my face. She has not only licked the girls tears but my tears. She has not only licked the girls boo boos but my boo boos. She has loved, protected and served unconditionally.
Today we have discovered how much her devotion truly means to us. Today we have discovered how much we truly love her. Today we have discovered that she has a large mass between her heart and lungs. We have discovered that her spleen is deformed and that we have a decision to make, not for us, but for her. Today we have discovered exactly how hard that decision will be. I have jokingly told John in the past few months that Spirit will live forever, and she will, because I am certain God needs a dog in Heaven. And even though she might be just a dog to some she is a member of the Underwood family and will always be loved and appreciated regardless of where she is.
