I bought my first house at 24. AJ and I looked together, but it was in my name. No ring, no house I say. No, it wasn’t like that. I made more money, hah. We knew we would be getting married and the house was the right thing to do because both of us had moved home for a bit to save money and renting an apartment was not the best route. My dad owns a real estate company, so it was natural for me to buy a house.
This was the first major step towards life long bliss. We were laying the ground work for a long term relationship; we had been together a year and a half at that point. We decided to buy a puppy. I had always wanted a dog, but my parents had an Irish Setter early in their marriage named, Sean who had a little devil in him. He was cute as a button but was always getting into trouble especially when they were at work. A notorious example of his behavior is that he managed to eat their long awaited, defrosted top layer of wedding cake on their first anniversary. In the end Sean needed a place to run and be free. My parents were forced to find a new home for him when my brother showed up and Sean nipped at him. Alas, Sean found a new family on a huge farm and lived out the rest of his days a happy canine. But, Sean sealed my fate for ever bringing a dog into our house again.
Sean and my mother.
After some deliberation on breed AJ convinced me that Brittany Spaniels were the best dog to get. We began searching the newspaper every day for Brittany pups (pre-C.raigs List days). I had ideas for names in mind like Cassidy or Laney. AJ was adamant that we couldn’t name the dog until we saw her. They name themselves, he said.
Here are some pics of pups. How cute are they?
We were looking for a girl. Finally one Friday in November we called on an ad that had one girl remaining from the litter. Somebody else telephoned that day saying they would be by to pick her up the next morning. The woman on the phone told me that if they had not shown up by the time we got there, she was ours. There were several male puppies as well so it would not be a wasted trip.
The next morning we took the 2 hour ride into the country to find our baby. We arrived at the house greeted by a five year old running from the front stoop. His parents came out and showed us the pups. There were 6 or 7 boys running around in a horse coral. Upon seeing us they flopped over licking our hands and fighting for attention. I will never forget that image. AJ inquired about the girl. “Yup, she’s still here. She’s inside all cleaned up waiting for ya.”
I proceeded to go inside with the wife and she pulled the female out of a warm crate and said,”The other couple never showed. If you want her, she’s yours.” I fell in love instantly. I cradled her like a baby and walked out to AJ with tears stinging my eyes. He took one look at her and me together and said,” We’ll take her.” After filling out the paperwork the owner took us on a little tour of the farm and showed us the mother. All of a sudden I turned to AJ and said,”Her name is Lucy.” He agreed- as simple as that.
The car ride home with our little puppy was thrilling. We showed her off to everyone. She could charm anyone with those floppy ears and soft coat. Brittanies are notorious for their energy. She was a lot of work and still is. We know people whose Brittany lived until 15, and she was still acting like a puppy. They are a wonderful breed. Lucy is smart, funny, docile and shy.
A few months later AJ proposed. Our family was forming. Lucy was our baby and still is. She will always be my first baby. She has been a sort of therapy dog for me. I laid with her many a time weeping and petting her coat. She always gave me comfort. Wherever I go in the house, she’s sitting down next to me. Unbelievably she will be 7 in September.
This is another example of how life works itself out. We would not have Lucy if the first couple came and took her home. She was meant to be ours.
This is the day she came home. Her first bath. She was 7 weeks old.
She is smiling for the camera,
but her eyes were closed when I snapped the picture.
Too cute!
If you or anyone you know is interested in adopting a Brittany Spaniel, visit
Brittany Spaniel Rescue. They are great dogs and so much fun. Looking at that website we have been very tempted to get Lucy a sister. Min Man has curbed any thought of having 2 dogs. Phew!
