Hello friends…
I have had 2 major life events happen these past few weeks, and I thought would share them with you.
First, my youngest son got married!!
A very simple ceremony, with immediate family and a abundance of love. I can’t wait to see them grow together as a family. A beginning.
On a sadder note, our beloved black lab of 13 years has gone on to the “happy hunting grounds”. An end.
Bare with me as I share some beloved memories of my long time pet, companion and family member.
As most pets, she had a plethora of nick names, one of them being Mary Poppins…
She was one of those rare dogs that really was practically perfect in every way!! When we brought her home she was 6 weeks old and a little black ball of puppy. We had an excellent training book that we followed to the letter…… however, our maine coon cat is responsible for a lot of her attributes.
First. She was an excellent mouser. That’s right. She loved to get mice, and would root around after them like a pig after truffles!
Second. She would lick her paws and clean her face. Just like her mother taught her. In fact, the cat would pull her face down with her claws ever so gently and groom her! It was several years before I found out that this was not normal for a dog to do!!
Third, she would beg for food for the cat. Momma needs some niblets, and she’ll get them any way she can.
Black labs are water dogs and bird dogs. But you must know you are a dog in order for these traits to be fulfilled! She protected the chickens and choked on water. Poor Katie, she even thought the neighbor dogs would pet her if she leaned up against the fence towards them!
She was a country dog and loved to sit on the porch like a perch and watch the “happenings” of the neighborhood. She never ran away. When you are unconditionally loved and secure in who you are, there is no need to run or rebel. Hmmm…. there could be a life lesson there….ya think?
And for most of her life she lived in a house with a white couch!
Now, I don’t know how many times I have heard that someone could never have a white couch with kids and dogs, but I did. Granted, we didn’t let her on the couch, but the kids (and husband) transfer dog hair just the same.
Washable slip covers are the key. What’s a little extra work to have everything and everyone compatible?! It was worth it for me.
That being said, I will admit, after perusing my pinterest boards, today I might lean towards a grey linen!
Some days I just feel a little more dark and dusky!
And I am really loving darker linens for the bedroom.
Thank you for listening as I share a small glimpse into my family life.
Life always has beginnings and ends, but the Lord blesses us with grace for living in the inbetweens.
Blessings,
Cindy xo
French Grey 
So sorry for your loss, happy for your son. I would love to see a picture of Mary Poppins,,,she sounds like one loved pup.
Thank you! I need to dig into the box of photos to scan…. will post a picture soon 🙂
Cindy
Sweet story. Thank you for sharing your sweet dog story. I know they become members of our families and when they do go to heaven leave a whole in our heart. She sounds like a sweet sweet dog!
So sorry for your loss, happy for your son. I’d love to see a picture of Mary Poppins,,,sounds like one loved pup.
Gorgeous images and I’ll be saving a few of these! Love the neutrals – gray is so calming.
I have two English Springers. One is almost 13 and is not doing well. The other is about 14 months.. The younger one, Layla ~ came to us shortly after we lost our puppy Jade who was tragically hit by a car and passed in my arms..
Loosing our loving pets is so sad. They become such a part of our lives. We will never forget them. You are right! LIfe has a beginning and an end. We should consider ourselves fortunate if we can live a full life and I SO wish animals were with us longer.. xxoo
I have a white leather sectional in the main living area .. WITH my dogs. 🙂
Wow….you did experience polar opposite emotions. Lost a lab 2 years ago. They are the BEST! Congrats on the wedding. LOVE your pics!
I love it. The white or grey. I really love the oversize couch. Where do you find something like that? Congratulations on the new marriage. Regarding the loss of your dog. So sorry, we lost our black lab/Australian shepherd Nick 12 two years ago. This year we lost our cat Fox 19. We just got a dog. A 1 year old Shih Tzu named Jixer. So sweet. Good luck and love you page.
Ends are always the hardest. Thank you for sharing your love for Mary Poppins! our animals make life wonderful and congratulations on your sons marriage. Love your house and white!
I am thrilled for your son, and for you. That is an exciting time in life!
I too feel the sorrow for your loss of your lab. Our black lab was 15 when he passed and he was perfect in every way. Which is why we had two yellow labs today.
I feel your joy and your loss.
And I agree on the grey linen….I am being drawn that way too….
Nancy
http://wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com
Oh I just knew you were going to put the sweet lab in one of the pictures! Aren’t they great?
We just lost our 15 year old yellow lab on Sunday. We still have two 6 yr old female labs, one black and one red.
I love your style and fb page ❤
Lovely blog, and I was drawn to your blog post…with your happy and sad news.
We recently lost our 13yr old girl Molly. I enjoyed your happy dog memories.
We are less tender around here with each passing day.
Stacey
Hi Cindy,
I am sorry for your loss and congrats to you gaining a daughter-in-law. You have beautiful heart and lots of love to give. Thanks for sharing.