Litter mates Lily and King were born on May 1st, bred by our dear friend Judi Hunter. We’ve been celebrating this special pair of English Setters all week long. Simply overjoyed that Judi chose our family for them to spend their lives with.
On the day of their birthday, I was reminded of our celebration last May 1st. Lily had decided to consume an entire bunch of grapes I had left far back on the kitchen counter. She ended up spending the night in the veterinary emergency hospital. Just getting her home was celebration enough, and the birthday got pushed under the rug.
This year, we have made up for it by doing the special things they enjoy all week long. Nothing extraordinary, really, but the focus was on them. Little Annie had to take a back seat (but her birthday is coming in July!). Special rides in the car, dog walks (even more than usual), visits with the cows on the farm, King had his regular training class, which he relishes beyond belief. He’d love a class every day! The present was a new summer dog bed for each (and, Annie got one, too). Presents are fine, but these dogs love the people stuff far more. While I sit on the couch writing this post on my laptop, King is sitting up close next to me, his head resting on my shoulder. I think he likes what I’m writing…
Lily and King are a sweet, gentle, affectionate, fun-loving pair. Wonderful canine family members. On top of that, both are certified Bright Spot Therapy Dogs involved in our special Reading Buddy Program. Each has their own school they work at. The kids love the dogs and their individual reading time with them. And, both Lily and King absolutely adore the kids. In addition, they both participate in our Therapy Dog Stress-Relief events on college campuses during mid-terms and finals. In the summer when school is out, Lily and King visit more often in the local nursing home where the residents love spending time with them. Now six years old, we hope they have many more birthdays to celebrate with us.