Smokey

Smokey was his name. I loved this boy. He was my constant companion when I was growing up. Smokey passed away during the summer of 1986 I was in South Carolina during the time. My dad called and he was crying on the phone. That is how I found out Smokey died. He passed away in his sleep. I took it hard we all did. I still think of this boy and the joy I had with him. The neighbors in  our neighborhood might have been afraid of Smokey cause he was a German Shepherd but to this girl he was my best friend. I even know where he was buried. Fast forward lots of years. The house I grew up in was up for sale and to reminiscence about the past I had to visit the house. Too many memories but when I got outside to the back I remembered where my swing set was and my childhood friend Virginia who lived next door. Yes, I visited Smokey's grave and the other dogs/cats that passed on when I was growing up.

​  I am now a mother to a very active 5 year old. What I was taught as a child about respecting the animals I am now passing on to my son. The joy I get is seeing my son outside playing in the sand with our dogs or my son in the pool playing with Indy or even throwing the Kong to Tuff. Kids should grow up with animals.. Whether it is a dog, cat, horse, snake, goats, chickens, llamas etc. It is about respecting nature, life, and the animals.