Daisy Walsh

There she is. Old. Grey. One of the most timid, sweet-hearted puppy I have ever known.

9 years ago we adopted Daisy from the local Saginaw animal shelter as a neglected, malnourished all skin-and-bones girl full blooded brindle boxer.

She had been there twice before, but all she needed was a loving family who wanted her for her. She still had milk, but she came with no babies. (We probably would have taken the whole litter, too!)

She has been a great addition to our family. Her and Duke became close almost instantly. Duke needed a buddy, and he sure got one! We had her spayed, helped her become healthy and fattened her up. We weren't sure her history, but we tried to be as watchful as possible considering we had two cats as well. After her "playing" with our two cats resulted in a terrible loss, we ALMOST gave her back, too. 

A couple of weeks had passed. Then a few months. She was so good with the older kids (and even better with the younger ones) and so lovable and soft. Her manor was so very gentle, but yet at every drop of something loud she would cower and pee. It took her a year to learn her home was a safe place. We just couldn't bear giving her back. She was house broken, she knew basic commands. That let us know that SOMEONE loved her at some point to teach or have her taught. We just needed to bring her back to that love and security.

Daisy and Duke were a team. We learned after losing Duke at almost 14 years that he was mostly to blame for all the trash kaos and other destroyed things she may have gotten the blame for. (Well played, Duke. Well played!) Here we are 9 years later not knowing her true age, the animal shelter guessed 2-4 years at least. Which would put her at either 11-13 years old. Boxers typically live 10-12 years. She's had a great life with her third family.

Today, sadly for us, we are releasing her from her misery... her old body, the blindness, the cancer and the pain. According to Revelation 5:13, even she, too, will bow and worship our Lord. We told her to go give Duke a great big slobbery lick and a pounce --and to please apologize to Chevy and Mellow for playing too hard. But most importantly, she has been a blessing to our family and we love her.

So say a prayer for our family, especially our boys, -one of whom has endured much loss and abandonment- that God will protect their little hearts and minds since they are at such a young age and don't fully understand the circle of life. And also on the timing of adopting more fuzzy children

I am guessing the move was most difficult for her. She had so much room to run and roam. This is one of my many favorite memories. She actually walked out to the deer. Peed. Then walked back and laid down on the patio. I wish she would have been full of energy to actually try to make friends.