Ellie grabs some shade on her birthday walk.
I remember the day we brought her home. A tiny ball of golden fur. All she wanted more than anything else was to cuddle and be held.
We named her after Ella Fitzgerald but she quickly became Ellie. Sweet. Gentle. Sometimes mischievous. Always loving. Always faithful.
She liked to be where ever I was. She followed me around the house, sitting in my lap, or any available lap of whomever happened to be closest. Ellie liked to be close.
The guide books said to kennel her whenever we weren’t home. Ellie didn’t like being kenneled. I didn’t do it. She was fine. She never chewed anything. Not a shoe, piece of furniture, or book ever fell prey to her teeth. Though she did, and still does, like to get into the garbage.
Ellie is a garbage hound par excellence! Once, she stuck her head through the lid of the bathroom garbage can and when she removed it, the lid came with her. She made us laugh that day, as she has made us laugh almost every day for the past 12 years since that day we brought her home in early September, 2000.
Yesterday was Ellie’s 12th birthday. Happy Birthday Ellie.
We celebrated it as we always do. A nice long walk in the morning. A special treat. Lots of hugs and time together. It’s the least I can do for this wonder pooch who has brought such joy and comfort to our lives.
Ellie has always been there for me, in good times and in bad. She has walked mile after mile by my side as I walked out my blues and confusion. She has sat by me hour after hour as I cried out my fears and frustration. And, in the really dark times, she has hidden with me in the dark, body pressed against me, lending me her strength and warmth.
The Birthday Girl!
When I think of the things that make the biggest different in my life, Ellie is high up on that list. Family, my beloved, friends, Ellie the Wonder Pooch and Marley the Great Cat. And then comes my work, my hobbies, my passions of writing and painting and all the other things I do that hold value in my life.
People and animals are the gifts of life. They bring me joy, happiness, community, companionship, friendship and Love. Always Love.
Ellie turned 12 years old yesterday.
What a blessing. What a difference she has made in my world.
Dare Boldly 
she looks like a happy soul. give her a birthday hug from me.
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Thanks Susan! And she says…. Woof! Woof! 🙂
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What a fun post … a hug from me for your Ellie.
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that’s okay Mark — Ellie’s bark is loud enough for both of them!
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Gusta, who can’t really bark, says ‘ooph’
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It’s a good thing he’s got you to show him the way Joanne! Ellie says — woof woof! 🙂
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You know my husband doesn’t get that a pet can be part of the family, he generally thinks a dog is just a dog………but not to me…………..Happy Birthday to Ellie
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My beautiful ‘wolf dog’ died prematurely at age nine, three years. I still miss her so very much. (she was actually German Shepherd/husky/wolf)
Your dog is lovely, Louise. Truly a member of your family.
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I am so sorry to hear that Lynn — what an amazing animal she must have been.
And thank — yes, Ellie is lovely! a very special member of this family for sure! 🙂
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She is beautiful!
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Yup — and she knows it 🙂
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Happy Birthday to your very best friend! If anyone deserves an award for going the distance with you, and a party to celebrate how far you’ve both come from those dark, dark days, it’s Ellie… but I suspect she is happiest just to be with you, walk with you, and share your heart! A beautiful post in tribute to the furkids who bring so very much to our lives, I loved this!
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Thanks Josie — and yes, she does deserve a celebration. she’s come through a lot and always remained faithful and true of heart. She’s a gem! Blessings to you and your furkids!
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Happy Birthday Ellie!
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You’ll have to come walking with us one day Diana! 🙂 Now that would be fun!
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Ellie, Happy Birthday, you beautiful dog!
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Thanks Maureen! Slobber slobber from Ellie too! 🙂
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Ellie is definitely a very special girl as Jim and I have always loved her. She has a sweet disposition and somehow manages, when she greets you at the door, to make you feel that YOU are the most special being in the world. While Winston (our Springer Spaniel, compliments of you) died, I remember wondering if he had a soul and went to a special place. Jim, ever so gently, said; “why else would they have been put on this earth if they weren’t our special companions?”….yes, I believe dogs go to a special place and I like to think that they (Winston, Bijou, Max- all of our families dogs) are running around chasing the ever elusive squirrels. I’m glad to know that Ellie had such a lovely birthday with her loving mistress. Love you little sis, Jackie
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Love you too Jackie — as does Ellie — she knows a good heart when she meets one, and yours is one of her favourites!
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Happy 12th, Wonder pooch!!
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Thanks Lisa!
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You are so right!
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LOL Julie — you have so many pets I am in awe! Your world is filled with such joy every day in so many ways.
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I really need to get a pic of all the birds flocking around me – it’s magic!
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Yes please Julie — that would be so awesome to see!
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Our pets are the one constant in our lives. Thule will be 11 on the 12th of August and Kuma was 10 on the 25th of April. All our pets are what makes our family complete.To lose them brings such a void and we never forget them. But the unconditional love we get every day makes it all worthwhile. Happy Birthday Ellie!! Give her a hug from us. Bev and Larry
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Ellie says Thank you Bev and Larry! Pant pant. Puff Puff. Grrrr….. 🙂 and a little bit of slobber for good luck!
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