CEO in the house...meet Mom !: 3 things my dog taught me...

I thought this would be a good time to share with you my love for dogs.....one especially that captured my heart.

As an owner of boxers, you can spot them from far away....on the Pelion Mountains, on a cliff and looking down in the area where we were going to walk down to, I was busy taking photos (surprise) of the breathtaking picturesque in a part of Greece we were visiting, I noticed a boxer, I was almost sure it was and said to my husband that I think that dog is a boxer, he replied " every dog you see is a boxer to you " I was really sure it was. As we got closer, there she was, a beautiful boxer. I wish I had my dogs with me....that is the part when travelling I don't particularly like, so seeing this boxer reminded me how much I missed my boxers.

Most recently, after 11 years, the one that captured my heart passed on. It was the most difficult experience anyone can have and anyone that has gone through this will agree. No words can console.

I was not always a dog lover, quite honestly, I did not grow up with dogs, infact, i was scared of them.I have to thank my kids who were insistent for a few years. One morning, I even found a written composition on why we should have a dog in my briefcase when I got to work. When we decided to get our first dog, I was not sure at all how we were going to get along. After the first year, my feelings for dogs went completely 360 the other way. I was a converted dog lover. I loved Ice, he was special. I never thought dogs can have this effect on anyone, they proved me wrong. A year later, my son asked, how I felt about Ice. I think you know my answer.

Our dog Ice made me see life differently, and made me enjoy each day like never before. Once I became so attached, i often thought, how would I ever be able to handle him not being there ? Instead, I would treasure our walks, I would love cuddling with him and I knew our time would be limited and made the best of this time. He comforted me when I lost my mom and when I looked into his eyes, his eyes said it all, we understood each other and always made me feel safe.

As a puppy, we had an adventure every day and I look back glad that I had the opportunity to experience it with him. Ice was so loving, that when he was 5, I was ready for our next boxer....Angel. He showed her the way and kept her entertained....us too ! The best times would be when all five of us and the 2 dogs would all be in bed together.....that was special....and remember Ice, he weighed 85lbs and took up alot of space ! He just cuddled where ever he found a spot and thought he was a little dog. That was funny. We had so many many great times and stories.

Last year in October, our dog Ice was having seizures, it was not good. By the end of the same month, he was having difficulty walking with his back legs. Not long after, he was not able to walk without support. We got him wheels to help him. He was a big part of the family and we were not going to let him down. The first few weeks, he had to learn all over again how to walk and he learned quickly how to let us know when he needed something. It was like having an elderly parent that needed constant care....every day for five months I did my best to keep him comfortable. During this time, we got a young puppy to lighten the mood and keep our other boxer Angel entertained. They all got along beautifully. As time went on, I was slowly coming to the realization that our sweet Ice would not be with us forever. So each day was a gift and enjoyed every minute we had with him.

Three of the things from my long list that my dog taught me was to love unconditionally, stretch out each day and make it count, be open to new experiences. Ice is always with us and has made an incredible impact on me and my family. It has been just over 3 months he has gone to doggie heaven, and not one day goes by that we don't think about him. He has taught us big lessons and will forever be grateful. So to all dog lovers....yes, it is alot of work, but in the end, they are just part of the family and considered as a family member. When you think of it that way - they really are no trouble at all. To all the moms out there that would love to get a dog.....you will not regret it ! Ice was our biggest joy ! I will never forget our last 5 months....truth is I do miss him, and will always miss him !