To All the Dogs I've Loved Before

This sign is displayed in the veterinarian's office, and I photographed it last week when I was there with one of the cats.

The sign got me to thinking about all the dogs I've owned and loved over the years, so I gathered a few photos to share today.

The first dog at our house that I remember was a Shepherd mix named Tony, but I don't have a picture of him. Before that, when I was a baby, my sister also had a dog named Polly. I think she was an Eskimo Spitz.

Daisy was the dog we had when I was a child. When she was several months old my sister decided her name should be Lady, so she was called both, poor girl! She was a very sweet Collie mix.

Pee-Wee was a Chihuahua I "inherited" from a family member who could no longer keep her. She was the first house dog I ever had. She was a sweet sweet little girl, terrified of storms and extremely loyal. (1960s)

I had a love affair with Cocker Spaniels, and Nugget was the first one I got. Unfortunately, at 7 months old she darted out the front door into the street under the wheels of a passing car. (early 1970s)

Another shot of Nugget being spoiled by her Mommy.

After losing Nugget, my second Cocker was Gamby --who had a beautiful black and shiny coat. This was the first and only time I took my dog to a photographer's studio. 

Molly was another sweetie (aren't they all??) (1980s).  

Molly and the first cat I owned, Fibber.

Tracker was the first Golden Retriever in my life ( 1990s). We got him at 8 weeks and he didn't know he was a dog. He had his own car. No, really, I mean it! He's shown here, ready for his twice daily ride.

Tracker

Rex, another Golden, was a rescue dog. He had a somewhat difficult time adjusting to life at our house but eventually turned into a sweet and loving dog. He adored water; is shown here in his kiddie pool.

Rex's favorite thing in the whole world was to ride in the back of a pick-up truck. Whenever it was driven around the property he'd hop up and be content to stay as long as chores were under way.

And then Val came into our lives. Also a rescue, she is as near the perfect pet as I've ever had.

And most every time she goes outside, she brings a leaf offering.

And then Kris joined Valerie in our home. What a sweet and devoted pet; I cannot take one step without him on my heels.

Val and Kris.

Each dog I've owned is still in my heart, etched into my memory for all the pleasurable moments they provided.Which of the dogs you've owned do you love best? The one/ones you have right now of course!