The Collector
I recently received a photo of Lucy (Blossom x Wolf) from the Fletcher family of Texas. Surrounded by her collection of toys, Lucy sweetly seems to be contentedly watching over her little menagerie of stuffed critters. Looking at Lucy's picture reminded me of the "collectors" we have had over the years. A collector isn't content till every toy is out of the toy box and lying within reach!
Over the years other families have sent me pictures of their collectors. Some, like Lucy, like to gather all of the toys in one spot; others love to collect sticks in the back yard or hoard all of their bones in one pile. Some of these collectors seem to feel particularly proud of their finds and love to present them to mom or dad! Nearly 20 years ago our sable girl, Sassy, took great pride in finding dead animals to bring back to her puppies. Usually when she would bring back a dead rat or snake for her babies, I would congratulate her and quickly dispose of the prize. But one morning, I missed seeing her latest find and didn't realize that a huge decapitated rat was lying just outside of the front door when a group of ladies from our church stopped by. I invited them inside and to my horror only realized the gift that Sassy had left for her puppies was lying there when the first lady nearly stumbled over it! Thankfully, none of our other "collectors" have shared Sassy's affinity for carrion!
I love watching a puppy proudly parade by pulling a leafy branch much larger than himself or spotting a baby carrying a toy as big as himself - head held high and tail up! It's clear to see that he feels very proud of his find! And I always get a chuckle out of finding where one of our dogs has hidden the toys behind a pot on the patio. What smarties!
So, if your household includes a "collector", tell me about him or her; or better yet send us a photo! We like to hear what toys are your fur babies' favorites or what kind of bones or antlers your dog prefers. Does your dog love to rip the squeakers out of her toys or just like to pile up the babies in a corner of the bed like Lucy? Tell us all about your fur kids!
