Happy Birthday Candice

My beloved Candice, the dalmatian, turns 10 years old today! So if you do the math, means she came before Cary and the children! And if you know what a tender heart I have towards animals, you guessed it, she kind of gets seniority privileges around here. I feel comfortable sharing this because those of you who know me well know I'm very much a CLEAN FREAK but I must admit a dirty little secret. Hold on to your hats! I used to sleep with my dog! Yup! I'll wait while some of you go puke in the sink. It's kind of like kids, you know how we moms always say in referring to our children's bodily fluids, "It's different when it's your own child." Well, the same goes with dogs. Although she's not just a dog to me, she's a GIRL! Candice and I shared a pillow long before Cary came along, literally. She used to sleep with her head on the pillow, belly up, under the covers. And when the alarm clock would go off, she would roll her little furry head my way and give me a wake up kiss on the ear. It was like having TWO alarm clocks. And then Cary came along and pushed her out of the bed! For the first year we were married, he let her sleep on the bed, but at our feet. Then after a while, we moved a couch into our bedroom and she slept on that. Then the couch started to stink, so Candice ended up on the floor. (And then we got a cat and had some kids.) It was a sad progression for her. But she has a nice cozy "girl" bed next to my side on the floor and I put sheets a clean sheet on it every couple of days. So there are no complaints. However, when I've had a bad day or am menstrual or something like that, Cary is such a dear and he actually gives up his side of the bed so Candice can sleep with me like old times and he sleeps on the couch. He's SO not a nighttime cuddler, but Candice is. And it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside.

She was an orphaned puppy and I got her when she was 3 weeks old. I bottle fed her until she was old enough to eat solid foods. So she truly is MY BABY! I never thought I had a maternal nurturing bone in my body, but Candice taught me otherwise as I happily got up with her every 3 hours during the night to give her a bottle, and cleaned up all her many "messes" over the years. She prepared me for children in many ways.

I don't even want to think of the day I have to say goodbye to her, but as she turns 10 today the thought is lurking in my mind, "How many more birthdays will I have with her?" Large dogs don't usually live past 14-15. She brings so much love and joy to my world. There's nothin' quite like a good Candice hug. One thing I love about her is that it doesn't matter if I leave the house for 1 minute or 12 hours, she always wags her tail and is happy to see me when I come in.

So to celebrate her birthday, the girls and I are making a white cake with white icing, and crushed oreos on top. You know, very dalmatian-y. Heehee. Of course Candice will get the first piece. I think I'll even let her lick the bowl! We'll probably take her somewhere fun tonight like the park or just for a long ride in the car, which she equally loves.

Happy Birthday sweet Candice girl! And thank you LORD for blessing me with my precious pup!