Almost three months after Cocoa Joy left me, Wessy Joy, my Little Brown Dog and Boykin Spaniel, came into my life. She was born on November 9, 2020.
I had managed to make it a couple of years without a dog, but my determination came at a price. I eventually realized I was battling feelings of loneliness that only a dog can fill. I had lots of loving people in my life, but the halls in my heart were empty. A leash hung beside the back door as a reminder of happier days. The dog toys were packed away, the furniture was perfectly arranged, and there was no real need to vacuum the floors two or three times a week. I was “dogless” and I was losing my mind!
I was supposed to celebrate my freedom from vet, grooming, and kennel bills, but I never did. I had been given a new lease on life. My mother would come for a visit and open the door proclaiming, I’ll never have another dog. Your Dad and I were free to go any place at anytime and never feel tied down. I sighed.
Finally, a friend had the courage to tell me the truth: You need to get a dog before you go completely crazy!
She was right. Finally on the top of Tennent Mountain, I saw this amazing Little Brow Dog hanging close to its owner and looking out across the mountain range toward Black Balsam. I was instantly in love. Smitten and knew I had to have a Boykin.
A few months later I was visiting the shop of the guy, who prints our Tugaloo River Water Trail t-shirts each year. Suddenly, out popped two Boykins: Roxy and Remy—mother and daughter! I thought I would cry. My heart leaped within me. That’s what being with a Boykin does to me. (smile)
Remy was expecting puppies and that was all I needed to hear. Wessy was born a few weeks later and my life has not been the same. She’s my constant companion, mountain hiker, water dog, duck chaser, and the best dog I have ever had! Life is so much better lived with a dog!