Good Ol' Dix...

"We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults."

Yesterday we lost our long-time family friend, Dixie.  Loyal, protective, lovable, and affectionate.  For over 15 years all she ever wanted was our company... and in return she gave us:

• Comfort in healing from the loss of our other brown, furry friend, Bentley
• Laughter & memories about lots of things... like being Spence's shadow-- especially at the cabin, following him, right at his heels everywhere he went.  Sitting at the end of the dock howling if he was out in the boat, or even jumping in and trying to swim two miles to catch up.  Using incredible dog-ingenuity to escape from any method of securing the back gate.  Do you remember when she climbed on Smith's roof? Getting loose and then showing up hours later... or being returned to us by kind neighbors (like Molly).  Getting her floppy jowls stuck in her crooked teeth which pasted a weird smile on her face.  Lots of playing fetch, until she just couldn't do it anymore.  Known as the "A.D.D. dog," she frequently bolted while leashed and nearly pulled arms from their sockets. The memory of trying to save other dogs from her wrath is not a good one.
• Security against intruders.  More bark than bite... unless you're a dog.  She did not like other dogs.  (Birds & rats were okay though).  I think Indie, Cedar, Muse, and Muncie eventually wore her down though. We felt safe just knowing that she would let us know if something wasn't right. 
• Company.  Whenever you were alone, Dix was always there... I mean RIGHT THERE! Her perch was the backdoor step. Peering in to make sure someone was around.  She also kept kids company... she faithfully served as the make-believe pony, unicorn, dog, cat, or whatever the latest playhousing required. Grateful that Lyvia and Millie had a bit of Dixie in their lives too.
• A Constant. When you were out gardening or working in the backyard she was always lying close by, just in case you wanted to talk, or pet, or take a break with her. She loved neck rubs, belly rubs and when Samuel would "de" fur her in the Spring and Summer. 

She loved our family and all of our comings and goings. She loved to come inside and sit at your feet. She loved dog bone treats, at least two a day! She loved being a lazy old brown dog.

 Good Ol' Dix.

"Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well."  -Bonnie Wilcox