A Boy and His Dog

Son #1 has always been close to the family dog.  Old Socks, the original border collie in our lives, was found as a stray young dog on my back door step when I lived on a country road.  Old Socks preceded my first date with my future husband.  He was a good and faithful dog that loved to chase anything living and nonliving that moved. 

By the time Son #1 was born, Old Socks was a senior dog.  He still had spunk and energy but was less inclined to herd a brand new baby. 

Old Socks was very curious about Son #1 when we first brought him home.  He sniffed and introduced himself to the baby with border collie style.  Son #1 sucked on the Bo Bo (our name for the pacifier) and eyed him suspiciously.  Little did Son #1 know, Old Socks and he would become great friends.

 



Months went by and Son #1 was crawling.  Son #1 and Old Socks explored everything together inside and outside.  Old Socks would creak alongside Son #1 as he forged his way down his chosen path.

 

 

Then Son #1 began to walk.  His little legs would take him far and wide always with Old Socks behind him.  Son #1 explored parks and ponds.  Old Socks chased ducks and birds with lightening speed.

 



 

 

Years passed and Son #1 was a toddler.  Son #1 had discovered the joy of throwing the ball to Old Socks and watching him chase it like a lunatic.  They spent hours playing outside.

 

 

 

One day Old Sock's heart gave up and he passed away.  Our hearts broke in two as we lay him to rest on Family Friends' land.  Future Tio (Uncle) remembers that experience because he had to dig the grave twice.  The first grave was not where I wanted it.  He complained to my sister that I was crazy.  However, my sister gave a terse reply.  "Just do it.  She's sad."

 

 

 

When our hearts were mended, we began to look for a new dog.  We came across an injured young border collie that had a striking resemblance to Old Socks.  We took him home and tentatively introduced him to Sketchy, our old cat.  She nuzzled him lovingly and batted his tail as if to say.  "Old Socks, where have you been?  I've missed you so much!"  My husband and I eyed each other conspiratorially and immediately named the dog New Socks.

 

 

 

Son #1 and New Socks began to get to know each other.  At first, New Socks wanted to herd Son #1 around the yard.  We could hear shrieks of fear as New Socks nipped at our oldest son's heels.  However, we soon put a stop to that nonsense.  New Socks and Son #1 began their friendship with grudging respect that slowly grew into an inseparable love. 

 

Son #1 and New Socks love to wreak havoc in the yard.  Son #1 plays football, basketball, baseball, and soccer while New Socks casually watches the games.  New Socks is injured so he doesn't enjoy chasing the ball like his predecessor.  However, the two enjoy each other's company.  Even Son #2 is beginning to get in on the action.  May New Socks and my boys have many more years of fun together.