Everyone always ask me, “Pam, why do you have three dogs?”
Here’s a long reply to this question when I could easily answer, “Because I love dogs!”
But I’m a writer and I like to tell stories. Here’s how we came to have three dogs.

The sweetest, the most affectionate Springer Spaniel anyone could ask for is my oldest dog, Torrey. She has long drooping ears, a cheerfully, wagging tail and a penchant for drinking out of the toilet. She was named after Torrey Pines because we stumbled upon her in San Diego while staying at the famous golf resort, twelve years ago. She is liver and white and very mild manner. She sleeps all day and has been known to fall asleep on the boot toes of a stranger standing in our doorway for a few minutes. Some guard dog! She would follow an ax-murderer around our house if he had a treat.

We had always wanted Torrey to be a “mama”, but never came across her perfect mate. When Torrey was six years old, we found a gorgeous black and white male springer running loose and lost on the golf course in our Texas neighborhood. We chased him through three par fours and a par three. After we caught him and returned “Augie” to his owners we made a deal to breed the two dogs. Yes, coincidentally Augie was named after a golf course too; Augusta. (In another blog I should talk about; coincidentally meaning the same as coincidently. Or maybe I should have used ironically. )

Our Torrey “Mama” had puppies. They were all healthy except for the small black and white pup. He dragged his feet, like swimmers feet, behind him. The vet said he’d outgrow it. We couldn’t sell him to anyone, so we kept him. He did grow out of it. Boy, did he ever. He chases our son, Ben everywhere. Mich is Torrey’s pup’s name. (After our favorite beer, Michelob.) This is how we ended up with two Springers. Mama and son.

Torrey Mama’s other offspring’s are Holly, Gordie and Tiger; all loyal pets to some of our closest friends. Mich follows in Torrey’s pawsteps, he’s mild manner and sleeps everywhere.

Then there’s our white toy poodle, Brandy. All I can say about Brandy is that we inherited him when his owners passed away and he thinks he’s a cat. He jumps in my lap wherever I sit and he tries to sleep on my head. He’s lying on the arm of my leather chair as I type. He sleeps all day too.

Yes, I have three loyal companions. The best part of being a dog owner is that my dogs always look at me like I’m the most wonderful person in the world!

Do you have an inherited pet?  What would you do if someone left you a pet in their will?

Torrey and pups