Day 171

11/1/22

Today was a big day for our little Sam! We went down to Kenyon, MN to have a playdate with his sister Stoli! On the way there, my boy sat in the back seat with me and snuggled the entire trip. I don't know about Sammy, but I was in Heaven!

Upon arrival, we waited in the yard for our wonderful breeder to let out the puppy she kept from the litter...more pictures to follow. Sam took one look at Cassie (the breeder who has loved him longer than we have!) and rushed into her arms. He remembered.

Next, sister Stoli was allowed to join the reunion. It started out to be a bit rough and tumble, but morphed into two beautiful puppies running and playing with joy!

I was reminded of our first collie, Mickey. He joined our family when he was about nine months old. It took some time for him to warm up to all of us because he had spent the first part of his life with his family of collies. When he eventually decided that we were just collies on two legs, all was well with his world.

There was a medical issue about seven years later, so we called the breeder to ask if it was a trait they dealt with regularly. They gave us some pointers and then asked if we would like to visit. Of course, we decided to do just that.

Driving into the driveway, there was a fence with numerous collie greeters sending up a barking hello! We brought Mickey up to the fence to sniff, be sniffed and that was the start the frantic tail wagging! I could tell he recognized the scent of his family.

Then, they brought out his mother, who was eleven or twelve at the time. She was retired to the house, but could still make it down the driveway in a mad rush. My heart stood still as Mickey and his mother reunited because I wasn't sure of the reaction. There was no need to worry and, as my heart absolutely melted, the two of them started to cry and literally "body hug!" The love between them had never left their hearts.

Family and relatives can be two very different things. My family is easy to love with their constant affection, support and caring hearts. Relatives, on the other hand, can often hold our stories and share many a memory. They are treasured in their own way, but "family" is what lifts us up to be the best we can be!

I think Mickey knew "family" and in the recesses of his heart, remembered the love that had never diminished. We should all be as lucky as that collie...I know I am.