“Bridget”

One of the oldest houses in Paris,Ontario (Canada), not far from the library and right near the down town core, was our home.

Our apartment, for two new newlyweds was perfect in every way. We both worked two opposite shifts in the beginning. The times we were home alone were lonely even with my goldfish, “Jaws”.

We would walk the trails by the beauty of the Grand River, so much wildlife and wonderful people we would engage with and share our interests. The two of us in particular started looking at the different dogs, the different breeds. We knew one day our home would be filled with children, but for now having a dog/puppy was always on our minds.

Home Sweet Home

The real estate agent knew that we both loved century homes, yet the homes in the community were way over our budget. We both went into the marriage as savers and we both had a dream to fulfil.

It was my sister Gloria, that helped us find our home sweet home. It was a beautiful home, built in the early 1900’s. Muchly needed tender loving care but the structure was perfect. The property was perfect and the neighbours became family.

Although our home,after working together and fixing it up,from electrical to the sanding and staining of the hardwood floors we knew it was time. Time to find that special furry pup we longed to have.

Just In Time

After several trips to the shelters, talking with our vet. We couldn’t find our dream dog. It wasn’t until my brother in law called to tell us about a dog that had no place to go.

A coworker of his ,knew of a pup (a purebred collie) that had no place to go. The farm had sold , the couple were moving to a small apartment and they were concerned. “ What would happened to their beautiful dog?”

When we heard the news, our hearts melted. To think, having a purebred collie that looked just like Lassie. (A show we both loved but most of all loved the breed of the dog)

It wasn’t love at first, it took time and lots of work. Bridget came from a very loving and carrying home,a farm where she could run and run. Our love for our puppy was instant, we needed to gain that love and trust.

The walks on the trails, the playing in the backyard and the treats,most of all the times we bathed her and many a brushes and cuddles. She soon knew she was home and happy.

The Instincts Bridget Had

I started working from home for a computer company and I remember the moments of Bridget laying across my feet, under my desk. Break time was our time.

Snuggled on the couch, we would sit and watch many hockey games. When I cheered, she would jump up. Better yet she would sit there and watch dog shows with me. It honestly was like having a child with me.

The one thing that puzzled my husband and I, was how observant she was.

Bridget had such interesting ways about her, but when dad was coming home, at least 20 minutes away. You should have seen the excitement in her and how she would sit by the door and wait.

The cuddles between the two of them was wonderful to watch.

Who Needed A Doctor?

The first weeks of August I started not feeling great, which was typical with hay fever and all. Yet Bridget would come,lay gently beside my tummy and lick me softly. Looking at her, those beautiful eyes, asking her what she wanted.

For days on end she became so close to me, instead of sleeping in her dog bed, she snuggled right beside me on the floor.

When I started to feel sick, she would stand right beside the toilet watching over me. Looking at her,I knew.

The visit to the doctors confirmed it, in only 7 months we were going to have a baby. When I told the doctor about Bridget and how she was with me, he said we had a keeper. Always watching over mom and soon a brother or sister.

The excitement at home with the good news that night was amazing. My husbands smile was so wide, most of all Bridget looked like she was smiling. One big happy family.

I’m To Tired To Get Up

Many walks on the trails, playing, many adventures the three of us took. Especially getting ice cream cones, nine months went by very fast.

On the eve of April 20th, I woke ,my water had just broke a bit. Then some pain. Trying to wake my husband to get ready to go was impossible. “I’m to tired to get up”.

Well isn’t that funny, going to take my step down the stairs, my water really broke and well let’s just say Bridget was given one big shower. The look on her face and mine.

Welcome Home

My sister and her children left a drum set at our front door,with a welcome sign. I can still see the three of them laughing, I was the one who use to purchase musical and loud sounding toys for my nephew and niece. Now it was her turn.

Going inside carrying our beautiful son, not sure how Bridget would react. Brought on some anxiety.

Later we found out we didn’t need to be concerned at all. Bridget became the big sister, laying by the cradle, coming to get us when our son cried or make a sound. The only thing he was overly protective.

He would sniff everyone, before they could even go near the cradle or hold our boy.

After having our daughter, our home could never have felt more wonderful then ever. Bridget played with the children in the backyard, ran with them, took walks with all of us to the river and most of all brought us so much love and happiness.

At the age of 19, Bridget passed from old age. It was one of the hardest days of our lives. Her footprints were placed inside a card from the vets but her memories will always be in our hearts and souls, forever.

“We love you Bridget, our sweet baby girl.”❤️🐾🐾