Georgie
Georgie loves Mom Andrea
Decision day had arrived. Would the new puppy be named Poppy or Georgie? The family sat at the dinner table where they had discussed the topic over many meals. They had written possible names on index cards, which stayed on the table until today.
Dad asked for the last two index cards. Scarlett handed him one and her twin sister, Sydney handed him the other. Big brother Archer was A-Okay with either name. He just wanted another dog; the house was lonely since Shady, their Black Lab/German Shepard crossed the Rainbow Bridge a year earlier.
Shady
Dad placed both face down and closed his eyes to choose a card.
“Georgie,” said Dad as he revealed the ketchup stained card.
The twins looked at one another, then at Archer. They all nodded their heads in agreement. Then cheers and dancing commenced. Georgie was coming home!
Sweet young Georgie
It had been a long year since they lost Shady. She was the family dog - their family member - with a tail. Losing her was like a small earthquake to the family - it really shook them up.
But it was time.
In fact, it was springtime of 2023, when a college friend of Mom Andrea’s knew of a puppy, the last of the litter - who was available for adoption. Andrea had been “browsing” for another fur baby, but they hadn’t yet found her. The family was ready and eager to welcome their new girl. Yes, they did want a girl. Andrea’s ears perked and her fingers began scrolling her phone to find a photo of the puppy.
She was darling. Her English Cream/Golden Retriever color was stunning. And they called her Miss Purple because she was marked with purple to identify her from her litter mates. Andrea’s heart melted. Shady wore a purple collar. And of course, there was the Minnesota Vikings Purple. It was a sign.
Sweet Shady with her purple collar
And so it was that the 8 week old, newly named girl Georgie joined an eager and loving family in June of 2023. Everyone at Carver Lake Veterinary Center made a loving fuss when they met her.
Georgie embraced her forever home with glee and delight. After smelling all corners of all closets and cupboards, Georgie decided that sitting atop the couch at the large bay window in the living room was her official throne. From her perch, Georgie could see all the adventures developing outside.
You’re safe now
Throughout the summer and then after school, the twins and Archer continued to train Georgie. She has proudly learned to crawl, shake paw, roller over, and lay down. Just ask her. Not only is she a good girl, she’s a smart girl, too (she knows how treats work).
In the back yard, Archer tossed a frisbee. Georgie watched as the bright plate landed. She looked back at Archer. Then back at the thing that was far out in the yard. Sydney and Scarlett ran to the frisbee, calling Georgie to follow and fetch it. Georgie looked back at Archer.
Excited over all the excitement, she ignored everyone and galloped to her favorite spot in the yard and started to dig. And dig. And dig. Sydney found a stick and teased Georgie to get it from her hand and away from digging. Georgie’s head bounced up and she bolted toward the stick, grabbing it with great delight.
And off she went, parading around the yard with her prize possession, her stick, hanging inches off each side of her snout.
As she pranced, she heard her neighbor friends. She dropped the stick and ran to the the spot where they were. She sniffed. The two Bichon Frisée dogs sniffed their side of the fence as well. Georgie quickly darted down the line of the fence, teasing the Bichons to chase her. And chase they did. Back and forth, up and down the fence line. Frisbee? Naw. Perhaps the only thing better, Georgie thought, was climbing. A park visit is in the cards.
As the summer fell into fall, Scarlett, Sydney, and Archer prepared for school. They were gone almost all day, every day. Georgie was quite confused. Where did they go, she wondered. Finally, she understood: As soon as she heard the whirring of a bus in front of the house, they would arrive.
They’ll be home in any minute!
She dashed to her perch at the bay window. Upon the first sight of Sydney jumping off the school bus, Georgie was wriggling with joy. Her humans were home! She was getting the rhythm of how days would unfold.
After a delightful day of digging, walking, digging, playing, digging, ignoring the frisbee, and digging, it was time for a bath. Not Georgie’s favorite, as she’s a bit humiliated about the entire process. But with that bright white coat, every bit of sand and soil shines.
Shaking off the last bits of water, it was time for dinner. Georgie quietly crawls up on to a chair at the table like another member of the family. She watches as everyone digs in, laughing, and talking. Georgie sits patiently, never crying, begging, or bothering anyone. She simply wants to be with her people.
Suddenly she hears her other friends. Georgie dashes to the back door, eager to race the Rottweiler neighbors. Jumping up and down at the back door, Mom Andrea cannot open it fast enough. In one movement, the door swings open and George flies out. She is in a joy filled spree of fun, playing with her other friends.
Thankfully, her human grandfather, Papa, enjoys his frequent “Georgie Time,” visits. Only they know of the adventures they create. Georgie’s nose knows as they explore the neighborhood. She knows exactly who’s been where, and probably when. Papa gets the biggest kick out of her curiosity.
“Georgie Time” with Papa
When she’s had her fill of fun with friends, Georgie will find an open lap in the living room and have a seat. Tonight, Mom Andrea will stay very warm.
As Georgie nestles in Mom’s lap, Andrea quietly reaches for the brush. Softly, she begins combing Georgie, from the top of her head, between her ears, all the way down her back to her tail. She follows the same path of combing Georgie, again and again. Soon Georgie relaxes completely and releases all tension as she rests in Andrea’s lap. She can now comb the “tough to get” spots. Clump upon clump of clean, white fur fall out of Georgie’s coat. Mom cannot quite believe that Georgie has SO MUCH fur. But it’s beautiful fur.
Georgie’s first year has been much better than she could have ever dreamed in her puppy sleep. She may have been the last of the litter to be chosen, but she’s number one in this household of love.
