Tippy-Too –
Tippy-Too was the second pup from a litter born to our Sheltie in January of 1982. We hadn’t been sure she was going to have puppies, it was not planned. When we checked on her that evening, one puppy had been born outside, and try as hard as he could, Mark could not bring that one around. But we kept her inside then, knowing more would be coming. Next was Tippy-Too, the first new-born puppy I’d ever seen! He was so tiny, little white markings on head and feet. I had no idea that night how much that tiny ball of warmth would bring to my life.
He was the first to climb out of the whelping box. Over and over again I’d go downstairs to find him scampering around the basement floor alone. He was the biggest of the three puppies. It was his coloring that won him a place in the house and his name. He had a white tip on his tail, just like a dog I’d had as a little girl.
He was the most obedient dog I’ve ever seen, and highly intelligent. There are way too many memories with this little guy, but I guess the most important thing he ever did for me was let me know he was there when I was sick. I went through several months with a bad gall-bladder, getting up most nights in pain and couldn’t sleep. He was up, by my side showing me concern and keeping me company no matter what the hour. He was my companion on almost all car trips, I kept an extra key on the ring so if it was hot or cold I could leave the car running for him.
When he got to be about 9, we found he was in congestive heart failure. They said with meds he’d have about 6 months. I went to part time for the next year at my job so I’d have more time with him. With the care he got, he had 3 more years. And they were good years, he felt good and always sat in front of me on time for his two daily doses of meds. He had quite the clock in his head. There is no conclusion for his story, because I think of him daily. He is alive in my heart, and I know he’s with his Grandma and Grandpa and brother up in heaven, just waiting for Mommy. This seems short for such a special dog, but there is just too much to be said about him to fit in one story. He is loved as no other could be because he was my baby, the only one I had from day 1 to his last on earth.
Until we are together again Tippy tooey dewey,
| Karen Howk |