Happy Birthday, Melvin!




Melvin turns 14 today. Melvin came to live with me in November of 2000, when he was one and a half years old, and I was almost 40.


He had been in a show dog family, but that wasn’t working anymore so he needed a new home. Like other 30-something women yearn for a baby, I dreamed of having a dog. I had wanted one for years, but I traveled a lot on business and worked really long hours. My career had consumed me since my early twenties, and there wasn’t room in my life for a dog. But still, I longed for one.

So when I took the big leap in May of 2000 and left my technology career, one of the first things I did was begin researching breeds. I agonized over the decision; I knew it was a big commitment, and I didn’t want to make a mistake. I finally settled on the Cardigan Welsh Corgi as the right dog for me. My intention was to rescue a dog, but I quickly learned that Cardigans are rarely in need of rescue. Just when it appeared I would have to go a different route, I heard about Melvin. I fell in love as soon as I met him and made the decision to adopt him.

In his younger years, Melvin enjoyed frisbee, but he retired from that a few years back. He still plays an occasional game of fetch, but I limit the tosses to just a few at a short distance. He loves his daily walks in the woods and often tries to sneak away to visit his grandparents (my parents) who live nearby. He used to be a great watchdog, but his hearing and vision have declined to the point that he’s usually the last to know we have company or that a deer is grazing right outside the window. He has a little arthritis and steps have recently become too difficult for him on most days. Nevertheless, he enjoys life. He has a strong appetite and sleeps well. He still knows how to handle the young pups, and one of his favorite things to do is boss around my sister’s young dog.


Happy birthday, Melvin! Wishing you continued good health and happiness!


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