The dogs who shaped me

I didn’t grow up with a dog in my home. My dad had hunting dogs, outdoor dogs, that we weren’t allowed to play with, presumably because it might affect their work ethic. And even though we had a few dogs early in our marriage, with four kids at home, they didn’t get a lot of attention. 

It wasn’t until I began suffering with chronic migraines and my active life slowed down that I began taking Baxter, our son Chadwick’s wire haired Jack Russell Terrier, for occasional walks. Then when Chadwick was able to take him to college his second year, I wanted a pup of my own. 

Zoe, a purebred white Boxer with brindle spots, became a member of our family when she was three months old. She was a great introduction for me to the world of having a canine companion. Zoe became my buddy, a reason to get up in the morning and go for a walk. I took her to obedience classes and worked hard to train her. 

About 18 months later Zoe’s parents had another litter. A reverse brindle Boxer whom we named Stella joined our pack. Zoe and Stella made the move with us from the suburbs of Atlanta to city living in Dallas, and later to downtown Corsicana.

Those dogs taught me the importance of work, play and rest. In the city, Stella played the role of my ever vigilant bodyguard. When we went for our early morning walks, she warned off any suspicious characters by lunging and barking. And she was on high alert whenever she heard someone in the hall outside our urban loft.

In Dallas we often visited one of the downtown dog parks. Watching the girls chase balls - and each other - and play in the fountains was one of my happiest Dallas memories. While Zoe was timid and just wanted a sip of water, Stella attacked each spray with abandon. She was the epitome of joy and a great model of living life to the fullest. On days when the headaches were bad, Zoe and Stella lay with me on the sofa - Stella spoon fashioned in front of me and Zoe curled up behind my knees.

Zoe and Stella helped me physically, mentally and emotionally when I was struggling to get out of the rut of endless migraines. Both girls laid the groundwork for all the other pups who’ve been in our lives since:

We adopted Dewey, a “purebred Texas Mutt” during the Covid shutdown. He’s our special needs dog, suffering with significant anxiety. He daily reminds me to show grace to those who are struggling.

Samson was our first Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dog (LGD) at the farm. He protects our pigs, watches out for us and our guests and is loved by just about everyone who visits the property. Samson teaches me to do the work I was created to do, all while loving on those who are important to me.

Our sweet Marshall, a mahogany colored Boxer, was a great snuggler. He also loved playing with his buddies Sam and Dewey on the farm. Marshall lost his battle with kidney disease when he was two. He reminded me of how important it is to experience joy even in the midst of struggles.

Winnie joined our pack not long after Marshall’s passing. This energetic Boxer mix is a true athlete. Almost every day I think about taking her to an agility course. Winnie challenges me to stay alert and active.

Darcy became Samson’s working partner on the farm back in January. Her favorite part of the job is making sure our guests feel welcome. Darcy’s very existence is an example of achieving work/play balance.

Every dog we’ve ever had has shaped me into who I’ve become. I’m grateful for each of them. I like to think that most days they’re cheaper than therapy. And that’s about all you can ask for.

This piece first appeared in Sherry’s column, Finding Myself in a Small Town, in the September 7, 2024 edition of the Corsicana Daily Sun.