Why every family needs a Lady

The first puppy did not enter my relationship until the 4 year mark. I thought this was the perfect time as it coincided with a move to the perfect home in the country and our perfect children were turning 3 and 1 years old. Her name became Lady as the children had just seen Lady and the Tramp and what else would you call a perfect blond Boarder Collie puppy? With wonder we watched this little Lady become our duckling herder, chicken wrangler, mouse control ,alarm system, entertainment center, mobile vacuum, effective yet hairy tissue and finally confident and therapist. We loved her through skunk episodes, Porcupine quillings, chicken cravings but a love completely forgiving and without logic. When she got hit by the school bus while waiting for the children's return home we all cried with aching grief already missing seeing her ride in front of the Skidoo or run down a hawk. Much later I realized her true gift was listening, loving and patiently standing close until we were OK.