We were just going into the pet store to browse a bit, my husband and I, but when I saw a buff-colored cocker spaniel jump to his feet and look up at me with his big, brown, droopy eyes, I completely melted. He stole my heart from the second I laid eyes on him! My husband quickly reiterated, “Remember, we’re just looking!” However, I knew otherwise. There was something so deep in those big, chocolate, brown eyes that completely mesmerized me. I needed to bring him home.
The following day I called the store and was disappointed to here a cocker spaniel had been sold but found out thankfully, that it was not my little boy. So I raced on over after work to rescue my little guy. Tyler met his new dad wearing a little note, that dangled from his collar, that read: “I hope you don’t toss me and my new mom out of the house. I really like it here!” It worked! He melted at the sight of him. He offered up a smile followed by a “Hey, buddy!” The rest of course was history!!!
Tyler brought us loads of happiness. He loved to be around people. He would lay on the couch by the window and wait for us to come home, then would give us a big welcome home celebration upon our arrival. That included barking, jumping, licking, running up and down the staircase a few times and an occasional shoe present.
He was there for my daughter’s arrival one year later. He was very protective of her and whenever I left her side to go into another room he would sit in my place until I got back and then return to his couch by the window. My daughter grew to love him and he her. They played, and went for walks and he endured many tugs of his long, floppy ears until she was old enough to know better.
They became best friends. As a matter of fact, at night I began noticing on a regular basis that my daughter was missing a pajama top or bottom. I kept searching for the other piece but in the interest of getting her to bed at a decent time I would go to the next complete pair of pj’s I could find. This happened for awhile until one day when I was home sick I saw Tyler quietly sneak into his sister’s room and walk out with a pajama top in his mouth. He took it to his comfy couch by the window and then took a nap on it. He had acquired quite a collection of pieces by the time we discovered they had all slipped behind the living room couch. He only confiscated her pajamas.
No one else’s were special enough.
Tyler also became his dad’s little boy. Yes, remember dad the one who said, “We’re just looking….” well he pretty much took over Tyler’s walks, feedings and playtime. He was a daddy’s boy now!
Actually, he belonged to each and everyone of us. He was a member of our family. We all have such fond memories of Tyler and will miss him terribly. He was with us for 10-1/2 wonderful years before he passed this weekend. I know he’s in a better place right now, a heavenly place, one where he still watches over his earthly family and still sends his unconditional love!
We will love you for always Tyler!!!
You will live in our hearts forever!!!
| TYLER |
| The Leinfuss Family |