Happy Birthday Millie

Today Millie turned 5. 

I was thinking today, how much has happened in 5 years.  We bought a house, got Millie, got engaged, bought a boat, got married, Alec was diagnosed with cancer, we had a baby, Alec died.  And Millie was there, every step of the way.  She would be the one to greet us, as we walked through the door after countless, long, grueling days of chemo, radiation, and doctors appointments.  No matter what, she would brighten our spirits and force us to go out side and take her for a walk on the beach.  There was nothing Millie wanted more in life, than to be with her family on the beach.  To her it was that simple. 

Sometimes, I wish I could tell her how much she meant to Alec.  Before we went to pick her out, he began researching how to train Golden's.  And as so many know, he chose the "Ceaser Milan" way, "cchhing" Millie (and sometimes me!) every time one of us got out of line.  If you have ever had the pleasure to meet Millie, you would know she is probably the most well trained dog in all of Maine.  She never needs a leash, she comes when she is called, she is so good with Chase, she doesn't jump, bark, or beg.  She may steal your socks and nudge her head in inappropriate places (especially for men) but she is otherwise perfect. 

Alec took so much pride in training Millie and although she was my idea and I wanted her so badly (Alec wanted a German Short Haired Pointer, for hunting) she was ultimately Alec's girl, she gave new meaning to "mans best friend".  He brought her everywhere, in his truck, out on the boat, Millie was always by his side. 

I have a million memories of Alec and Millie together, hunting, skiing, fishing, hiking, biking, we always made sure she could come along.  One of my favorite memories of Millie and Alec was when we were coming home from Alec's liver and lung surgery.  He was in a lot of pain and barely able to move.  When Millie first saw him (after 11 days of being in the hospital) instead of wagging, jumping, wimpering for joy of being reunited with her master, she came up to him ever so gently, licked his face, and carefully placed her head on his lap.  She knew that he was hurting and she was so gentle and peaceful.  It was actually a beautiful thing to witness and I cried. 

A few weeks ago, Chase and I were watching the videos I had made from Alec's wake.  I was pointing out "Dad-da" and Millie ran over to the window, so excited, as if she was expecting to see Alec pull up in his pick up truck and jump out.  It broke my heart, I hope she knows he didn't want to leave her either, he loved her too.

Millie keeps me going, I have to get her exercised, whether it is a walk, run or bike, we don't miss a day.  She always seems to be right there when I need her most, and I think she cries with me.  Millie now watches over Chase and me.  A guard dog, letting me know when someone pulls in our driveway, sitting by Chase's stroller while he naps, never running too far ahead without checking on us. 

No one will ever replace Alec to her, he was her master, and I do believe dogs mourn too.  I know that we will all be together again some day...

I love my Millie Girl...Happy Birthday to the best dog I know. 


Finding Millie




Love at first sight...




Training begins! 



Daddys Girl.

Always by his side...









Keeping watch.





Millie and Chase