Most of you already know about the demon dog that dwells with my parents and I. She is the source of much drama, much comedic relief, and a lot of the general conversation I have with my family. Despite her aggressive tendencies, she has become a lovable character on the Visser stage.
On Monday our little "spawn of Satan" attacked me for walking through the door. I was excited to see her and my puppy Bentley, after they had been in the kennel for three days while we were in Salt Lake. I shouted, "Hello girls!" only to be met with teeth clamped down on my stomach which was followed by my own string of profanity. Unfortunately, this is not the first time Ellie has attacked and therefore my parents are faced with a difficult decision, whether to accept the liability of an outwardly aggressive dog, or put their puppy down.
I, myself, have been tormented by the thought of not having her presence in our home anymore. This is partially because of my own and my mother's attachment to her, but also due to my Dad's deep attachment to Ellie, whom he affectionately calls his "buddy." I have so many memories of her seated in the passenger's seat of my Dad's van or truck, poised and ready for her ride. I can still see her drinking pop from the cup holder, and see my Dad buy a package of Grandma's peanut butter cookies only to eat one himself and give the other to his buddy.
I know my parents will make the right decision for themselves and their puppy, even if that means letting go of her a little sooner than we had hoped.
Right now, I am choosing to remember the things I love about Ellie...
She gave us her adorable puppyhood which, despite the beginnings of her biting and aggressiveness, gave us countless hours of enjoyment and hundreds of fantastic pictures. Since a puppy, she has always done this adorable look of curiosity where she cocks her head to the side and perks up her ears.
She gave us protection. Aggression has its uses, and she is an excellent guard dog. I have always felt safe walking the neighborhood with her.
She actually brings the ball back when you throw it (unlike my dog.)
She breathes incredibly loud for a dog.
She loves water. My parents have gone so far as to buy a kiddie pool for the dogs in the backyard which she has claimed as her own. She likes to tease Bentley by moving the toys into the center of the pool so Bentley can't get them (Bentley hates the water.) She also loves to be sprayed by the hose.
She eats the weirdest things... seriously, she must have an incredible digestive system.
Speaking of digestive systems, my dad and his buddy can stink up the whole house with their combined efforts.
She is notorious for molesting the pillows in the living room... maybe not a lovable trait but good for laughs and embarrassing strangers.
She attempted to eat a bee once and was stung. Her muzzle blew up about three times its normal size. She recovered, but her puffy face was so hilarious!
She will poke you with her paws until you pet her when she needs some love, which is usually several times a day.
Of course, that's not everything, just all I can write without too many tears... I think it's needless to say that I will miss her very much. I just hope that she knows somehow that I truly love her.
I love you Ellie
