Our first family dog was a white german shepherd, Tasha. She came with a house we bought just before I turned five. The owners were friends' of my parents. They were moving into town and didn't think Tasha would adjust well after being a country dog. She was about 6 already by then. When we arrived to move our stuff in, she refused to let us in the house. My dad had to go get a steak for her before she let us in the house. She became the kids' dog and protected my sister and I, like she knew what we weren't allowed to do. If we got too close to the road or the dugout, she would knock us over! We lost her to cancer eight years later.

My first dog, that was really mine, was Lady. She was an Irish Setter-Golden Retriever mix. Our neighbor was a Golden breeder and a stray bred his prize female--OOPS! So he sold the puppies for 20 bucks each. I got to pick one for my 7th birthday. She was my best friend for many years. During those hellish teen years, Lady heard everything!! She died at 15 from cancer. I still keep her picture up in my house.