What do you get when you add a 10-week old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy to the home of one of the most beautiful and wonderful Moms in the world? One very HAPPY BIRTHDAY…
Let me give you a little history to bring you into the loop. When I was a kid, I had a really sweet parakeet named Charlie – it was my first real pet. I would talk to him, sing with him, and he was really one of my best friends. Until, I woke up one morning to find Charlie on the floor of his cage not moving. I yelled for my mom and broke down in tears as I called out his name several times. It turns out, Charlie developed pneumonia and passed away in his sleep. I had no idea what that was – all I knew was that my friend was gone. My Mom was beside herself, she couldn’t stand to see me in such pain. So, after calming me down and explaining that Charlie went to Heaven she went out to the toy store and brought me back “Sad Sam”, my new stuffed animal puppy friend. Although it didn’t completely rid the pain and loss I was feeling, it certainly put a band-aid on my heart. I still have Sad Sammy to this day and it brings me back to my childhood, reminding me of the loving parents I have been blessed to have.
Fast forward to present day. My Mom has been talking about being in love with Cavalier King Charles puppies for a few years. She has been going to dog shows, watching the “puppy bowl”, and dreaming of having one of her very own. So, about a month ago I started looking for just the special puppy to get Mom for her Birthday. After searching for quite some time I stumbled upon a site that had a 10-week old pup, named Sammy! It could not have been any more perfect. I spoke with the breeders several times and told them how important this project was, it had to be a success. They always say, never to surprise anyone with a dog, but sometimes you just have to do something crazy and outside of the box. I wanted Mom to have this pup more than anything – she deserved it. So, with some hesitation I decided to take the plunge and reserve Sammy (who was born and raised in Iowa). I had been planning a work trip to my hometown of Chicago, so it was a great opportunity to drive and pick the little guy up personally.
Taylor joined me on a 4 – hour journey (each way in a car borrowed from my Dad), to the “largest truck stop in the world” to meet the breeder – who was kind enough to drive half way to meet us. Sammy was more adorable in person than in the pictures, which was hard to imagine possible! His little puppy dog eyes, his tail wagging, and his puppy kisses were all signs of his eagerness to be in his new home. When we arrived home we had to figure out how to surprise Mom. So, Taylor brought in the collar first with the personalized heart tag and asked her to step into the living room – giving me just enough time to sneak in with Sammy and present him to her officially. Tears welled up in Mom’s eyes as Sammy instantly took to her and showered her with kisses – our hearts melted. My step-dad, Gary, returned home from work (also unaware of our little scheme), and was greeted by Sammy taking his first wee on the carpet…oops! Well, let’s just say Sammy had some work to do on his new Dad, but mission accomplished.
Sammy, after a visit with Dr. Harris at the Morton Grove Animal Hospital, has been declared healthy and in amazing shape! Our new friends Linda, Jan, and Anna were all so kind and informative about our new puppy. They told us that Sammy’s visit really made their day! To be honest, it is going to be hard for us to go back to NYC after falling head over heels for this special guy. BUT, seeing my Mom so genuinely happy and laughing out loud with Sammy has made this entire adventure worthwhile. Mom & Sammy were meant for each other and I know that many special memories will come of this union. Life truly is about simple moments like these, shared with family and friends. Nothing else really matters.
Welcome to the family, Sammy!! You are in good company with Spike, Tiny, Calamity Jane, Markie Morkie, and Francis.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
This dog is so cute. I’m glad Ronnie got him for you and that you enjoy him as much as Ronnie and Taylor enjoyed giving him to you. Again, Happy Birthday. I hope it has been exciting for you. Until later xo
I am so thrilled that you memorialized this for all time in your blog Ronnie! It is almost like being there! Markie and Francis send sloppy kisses, and gladiator growls, respectively.
Awww, cute puppy! And wow, Ron, it’s been a long time — you’re probably one of few remaining people who remember me being Hannah now that I mostly go by Jade. If you’re anywhere near the Bay Area (or if we intersect in Chicago), we should hang out.
Oh, and I got my first job out of school. 