When Steve and I had Summer put to sleep last year, we were about to embark on a huge life transition. We knew that getting another dog in the middle of that would not be beneficial to our sanity so we put the idea on hold as we launched into the tumultuous months ahead.
After we finally got (sort of) settled here in Charlotte, we returned to the dog topic from time to time but were basically just content to let it rest. Dogs can be wonderful but they do add an additional measure of complexity to life and we’ve had more than our share of complexity. But still, the thought of getting another dog never quite went away.
And then last week we were asked to dogsit for a few days. And this was not sitting for any ol’ dog.
Nope, this was dogsitting for Tippi, Ken and Vernie’s beloved Yorkie. (She has been living with Steve’s brother.)
Here’s Sarah with Tippi about five years ago.
Dana had asked us after Vernie’s passing if we were interested in adopting Tippi. Of course, we had Summer at the time and didn’t want another dog so Dana has cared for her over the last year.
But after enjoying our dogsitting stint so much last week, Steve asked Dana if the offer was still open for us to keep Tippi. Dana has a couple of other animals already and said that it would be fine for Tippi to come live with us.
And so we are dog-owners once more! And the fact that she matches the furniture and the floor is just the icing on the cake.
The timing is especially perfect since I am gone ten hours a day with my job. Steve loves having another living, breathing creature in the house that he can talk to, take on walks, and go for car rides with. (All he has to say is “bye-bye” to Tippi and she runs toward the car.)
I have to laugh at the three of us–all of us elderly-ish and a little slower than we used to be. We make a good team.
I take Tippi out every morning at 5 a.m. and I’m always amused at the difference between her and Carly who is Nathan and Meagan’s pup. When I took Carly out for a walk, if she saw a squirrel, it didn’t take but a nanosecond for my arm to be yanked out of my socket as she attempted to give chase.
Last week, Tippi saw a squirrel and simply gave a slight harrumph and a huff, just to let the squirrel know it had been seen and to let me know that she was on the job. But that was it.
Her years have brought her wisdom even while they’ve slowed her down a bit. As I said, she makes a great match for Steve and me.
The other day, I took a rare chance to lie on the couch on a rainy day and take a nap. (I pulled the curtain back so I could see the rain.)
It brought a special kind of joy to once again have a dog to share that moment with–both of us snoozing to the sound of the rain.
I have written a lot about this year bringing us full circle. We’ve moved back to Charlotte where Steve and I were both living before we met forty-three years ago. And we’ve moved into his parent’s house, a place that has been a part of our lives for many decades.
And now? The full circle theme starts playing again as we begin to care for the dog that brought so much joy to Ken and Vernie during their last years. I can’t help but think that Tippi knows where she is, even though the house has changed since she last lived here. It’s been comforting for Steve, especially, to go through his day accompanied by the dog that had accompanied his parents; it’s such a strong connection to them.
Tippi was very loved back in the day.
During Ken’s last weeks at the assisted living center, Tippi was allowed to come for a visit while Vernie and Dana, and Jeff drove by. (This was during the Covid days.) I love the delight on Ken’s face even though that was probably the last time he would hold his beloved dog.
I know it would make him happy to see her back at the old homestead, back in the den, snuggling with his son under the same window where he and Tippi had spent so many hours together.
I remember the days following Ken’s funeral when we would find Tippi sitting in her master’s chair under that window–remembering him and waiting for his return. I hope that in her years with us that she will find extra joy living again in the house they shared.
Welcome (back) to the Smith house, sweet Tippi Smith!
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Tonight we’ll have the kids and grands over for a cookout on this day set aside for remembering the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
And as we remember the ones who died in service, we will be especially grateful for a certain service member who came home: Lt. Colonel Kenneth L. Smith, USAF Retired.
I’m so thankful for the freedom that was fought for all over the world by the people who didn’t get to come home from war.
And I’m especially thankful today to live in the home of the man who flew so many thousands of miles for our country–twenty-four cross-Atlantic flights and 181 missions in Vietnam and Korea.
Ken left his wife and young sons behind to help guarantee that his grandchildren could live in freedom.
What about you?
Do you have a loved one who died while serving? Share with us his or her name and a special memory.
Do you have a story of how you came to get a particular pet?
What are your plans for Memorial Day?
Welcome home Tippi!! How sweet it is!! My in-laws had a miniature yorkie and she was so sweet ( and tiny). My FIL called her an elephant dog whenever she barked….”You don’t see any elephants around, do you? She keeps them away.” LOL
We had my daughter and her family here for Memorial Day. It was so nice to have them home and have the little ones here. It just doesn’t happen much any more. Seems like we always go to them.
My father-in-law was a medic in the Navy during World War II. He came home, fortunately. However, he never talked about what he did or what he saw.
LeeAnne,
Love the Elephant Dog moniker!
I’m sure a medic in WW II was exposed to so many things that were difficult to discuss. But so thankful he was willing to serve and make a difference in so many lives!
I don’t have a family member that died in the service. One of my three uncles who served in WWII at the same time did receive a purple heart. My dad said there was a young man that stayed with my mom’s family that was killed. He couldn’t remember his name and since it’s next to impossible to communicate with my mom now, I didn’t try to ask her. Plus, she probably wouldn’t remember either.
My Memorial Day was pretty low key. I went to my parents’ nursing home and sat with my mom while my dad went to a service they had. They made snow cones for the residents but they were pretty soupy so you had to eat them with a spoon. 🙂
I don’t have a pet and never have since I lived on my own so no story there. My brother had cats when we were young but they had a tendency to get killed as we lived on the highway that ran through town. My good friend who just moved to Texas before Christmas lost her dog about two months ago. She is looking at rescues and has one in mind. Once everything checks out, she will get her for a week trial and if all goes well, she will keep her.
Phyllis,
I love that the rescue organization your friends is working with allows a week’s trial. I think that would encourage more people to do rescues.
A Purple Heart is such a great honor. I know you are proud of that uncle–and all your uncles who served.
What a beautiful story about. Tippi and for her to be back home again. Your family circle is so inspiring and I always enjoy hearing how your week went. God bless…
Judy,
So glad you enjoy reading what’s going on because I sure do enjoy writing it!
Blessings!
Sounds like Tippi was already a part of the fam, now back on her home turf! Cutie!
My uncle – Sgt. George D. Wallace was killed in Vietnam 6/3/67
A CO, 1ST BN, 27TH INFANTRY, 25TH INF DIV, USARV Army of the United States. He was 24 years old.
Dear friend – Cpl. Jonathan Bowling was killed in action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to the Marine Corps Reserve’s 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia. Died on January 26, 2005. He was 23 years old.
Proud to have these men who made the ultimate sacrifice a part of our family. Proud of many in our families who have served/serving the U.S.A. Freedom is definitely not free! Grateful for all service men and women & Lt Col Kenneth L Smith.
John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Eswim29,
Oh my. Those two men died so very young. Twenty-three. Twenty-four. So very tragic the loss of any life in war but especially those who were so young.
Remembering and being grateful for George and Jonathan.
Oh this makes my heart happy to know Tippi has returned to her old stomping grounds. She was so cute and a happy dog when I would visit with Vernie. Funny how life just comes full circle.
Karen,
Yes, Tippi is the queen of the roost once more! (Or at least she thinks she is.) 🙂
So happy to have her.
So happy to hear the Tippi is back in her home and neighborhood. What a blessing for her and for you. Our pets bring so much joy to our lives. What a beautiful expression of gratitude for your FIL and for all who served and sacrificed for our nation. Our family has been blessed as well by many who have gone on before us and have been valiant warriors. We are so thankful.
Donna,
Valiant warriors. Such perfect words to describe those who have faithfully served.
Thanks for rejoicing with us and Tippi!
Oh Becky, I can’t tell you how many times you have made me cry, but this time happy cry….I am so glad Tippi is back home and that you and Steve have another dog. And I remember that picture of Ken holding Tippi during COVID and have always loved Vernie’s million dollar smile when she sees him……Tippi is so so adorable…..we have always had dogs throughout our marriage and lost our last one about 4 years ago, well when my son lived in KS he adopted a big border collie mix and when he moved back here to stay with us my husband had misgivings about having such a big, hairy dog….but he is the sweetest boy and he and my husband have become best friends….my husband is retired and I hear him talking to Kylo ALL the time, they do their stretching together in the morning and then both take an afternoon nap. Dogs certainly bring joy to our lives….and yes today we are grateful for those who served and for those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can live free.
Dale,
Dogs have a way of making people fall in love with them, don’t they? Love the visual of your husband and Kylo stretching and napping together. Truly a man ((and woman’s) best friend.
Glad my post brought happy tears this time around. We are grateful for Tippi being back in the old house!
Tippi is absolutely adorable! How old is she? I’d love to get a little dog (specifically a chihuahua) one day, but I cannot in any way see Shadow (our cat) agreeing.
Happy Memorial Day! (Is that the proper thing to say, just like you greet people with “Merry Christmas” on Christmas?) We do not have Memorial Day here, but we do have Remembrance Day in November and we did have Victoria Day last Monday.
Jenna,
We think she is somewhere between 8 and 10. We need to find the vet records and contact her vet to find out for sure.
Yes, cats are generally not real big fans of dogs. Sounds like Shadow is going to the Pet of the House for a long time to come yet!
People do say Happy Memorial Day here which is always seems a little incongruous. I love the thought of a Remembrance Day.
Welcome home Tippi! I’m sure it must be so nice for Steve to have a friend in the house all day. And it’s so nice to see him up and around without a walker!
My dog Pepperjack came to me in 2018, the very first week I moved into my own apartment. I had been sick for the previous year, and many times while visiting me in the hospital my sister would tell me that once I was out I should get a pup to keep me company. I’m now sitting in a comfy chair with my dog curled up on my lap and my sister’s dog warming my feet in the home we share together now 🙂
Robin,
Pepperjack. What a great name! And what a great sister who helped convince you that a dog would just what you needed.
Living with your sister and two dogs is a double blessing. Tipp sends her greetings to your dogs. 🙂
My Grandfather,Donavon Ward,MD was a surgeon during WW ll. We are having our daughter and family over for her birthday celebration, no birthday hat 😳. Enjoy your day and your new to you dog.
Marjie,
To be a surgeon in war-time. Wow. I bet he gathered up countless stories and experiences of that time.
Hope your birthday celebration was wonderful–hat or no hat!
Welcome home Tippi! We miss our girls terribly but it’s just not the right time for us to have another. Love this post and those precious pictures! Thankfully my dad was injured in Korea when the dozer he was operating to clear the jungle hit a land mine but he came home to his bride after 2 years and started our family. So very proud of his service!
Ginny,
So glad your dad was able to come home from war; I know you are so very proud of him. His experiences, I’m sure, influenced the work you did with the VA all those years.
Yes, you’ll know when the time is right to add another dog(s) to your family. Steve is saying how very therapeutic it is to have Tippi around. I’m so glad to hear that.
This post makes me so happy to see Tippi and Steve keeping each other company.
I have many family members who served and thankfully they all came home unharmed. My dad served in the Army during WWII.
I have had a pet my whole life. We once trapped a feral kitten in the backyard using an old-fashioned box, stick and string. We put a bowl of tuna under the upside-down box with one end propped up with a stick and a string tied to the stick. We sat on our deck until the kitten went in and started eating, then we pulled the string which made the stick fall and the box trapped the kitten. He was the first pet we had as a married couple.
We have a low-key day planned with our adult kids here, grilling steaks and hanging out at home.
Have a good week!
Hope,
What a great way to catch a cat–a box, a stick, a string, and tuna! What self-respecting cat could possibly resist tuna? And what fun it must have been to concoct your cat trap. Very ingenious!
Kids and steak sounds like a wonderful way to spend the day.
I know many who have served, but none that gave the ultimate sacrifice. We were just in DC and saw the WWII memorial and Korea memorial. My parents friend was declared dead in France in WWI. His family had a memorial and all. Three months later he was found in a hospital. He lived to 106. He received the French Chavalier medal at 103 for his work in helping to liberate France.
So great that Tippi is back home. I am not a big pet person, but know that special bond people have with their pets.
We have no plans for Memorial Day. Might go for a bike ride, might do some gardening…
Patti,
What a great story about your parent’s friend “coming back from the dead,” so to speak. That must have been such an amazing experience for all who knew and loved him. And to receive a medal at 103? What a great story!
So happy you’re home again, Tippi!
Deepest gratitude to beloved Ken and to all who have served and sacrificed to keep our country free.
Enjoy your day off and time with the family. Love picturing you there all together!
Love, Deb
Deb,
Thanks for the happy wishes for the newish doggie and the family time. Many blessings to count. Wish you were with us!
Awww, Tippi! How sweet that she was able to stay with the family! And she DOES match the floors! Haha
To my knowledge, none of my family died in service, but I’m assuming with a very long history of living in America, at least one or two must have – I have American Revolutionary War and American Civil War veterans in my family tree. My dad served as an officer in the Army, and both of his brothers were in the service as well.
Our daughter and son-in-law will be coming over later for dinner. I will finally get my herbs planted today too. It’s been a busy few weeks so I haven’t had the time — or energy/desire — to get that done!
Stefanie,
You guys go way back! How cool to have ancestors from so long ago and two very impactful wars. Sounds like serving in the military definitely runs in the family. Grateful for all your relatives who served.
Yes, we definitely have a matching dog. It warms my graphic designer heart. 🙂