Isn’t it crazy how our furry friends make such an imprint on our hearts. I mean they really are one of the family! I remember when we brought home our sweet Beagle puppy. I was getting ready to start kindergarten! My older brothers named her Scout! I think they had just read, “To Kill a Mockingbird” in school and Scout seemed to be a great choice! She was the sweetest tail-wagging, loud barking (howling), scent sniffing, cheese and egg loving pooch! Scout was a constant in my family. She made us all laugh when she’d bark that classic beagle bark of hers and act like she didn’t even know where the bark came from! Scout grew up with us. Scout saw us all graduate from high school and she was there when my brothers graduated from college. She was there to greet me at the door when I’d come home from college until I finished my Sophomore year. Scout listened to all my teenage trials and tribulations. She was there for me during the highs and lows and she comforted me on one of the saddest days of my life when my Grams passed away. Scout lived a happy life and we will miss her always! I’d like to share a few things I learned from my sweet beagle, Scout.

1. When someone needs comforting, just listen and provide great cuddles.

Sometimes no answer is the best answer. Listen and be there for each other.

2. Eat as many treats as you want! Life is short. 

Treat yo’ self and eat the sweet treats! Need more sleep? Nap! (Scout was very good at this) Take care of yourself, always.

3. If someone needs help, or you need help, bark! 

Well, maybe we shouldn’t bark but you get the picture. Don’t keep quiet, it’s okay to not be okay. Let someone know how you’re feeling and talk through it.

4. Be a friend to everyone you meet and be kind.

Scout was everyone’s friend. She’d get close enough so someone would pet her, she’d start that licking (I don’t recommend trying this one though haha!) and then she would wag that tail of hers for everyone she met. Be a friend always. You never know what someone may be going through. Let’s spread love and light everywhere! Maybe that someone needs a hug!

5. Be patient when things change in your daily routine.

About a year before our Scout passed, we brought home our sweet doxie puppy Scarlett. We watched in awe at how patient, gentle and kind Scout was even when Scarlett snatched up Scout’s toys and treats! Scout accepted this new puppy and it was so precious. Scout and Scarlett were best buds. Scout was acting like a puppy again! Change is good and healthy. Be flexible and a team player!

6. Be strong for others.

Scout had such a great life! She had 14 years of cuddles, egg breakfasts, running in the yard and barking at who knows what. She was strong the whole way through… and never wanted us to know just how much she ached. She took great care of us and Scarlett!

Now go ahead and hug your sweet furry friends! It’s crazy how much they can teach us in the short time they are here.

We love you always Scouty (doozer-do)!

Love,

Your Family