Goodbye, Dear Friend

One of the problems with Ordinary-ville is that we sometimes have sadness. This Saturday was such a time as we had to say goodbye to our dear Dixie dog. Dixie lived a long and exciting 13 years. She could have just as aptly been named "Lucky" as she survived being hit by cars 2 times. As a result, she had one good lung, and three good legs. Neither of these slowed her down from ruling the neighborhood, but the hurt leg was helpful in coercing treats from the unsuspecting.

Dixie was everything a good southern dog should be. Her mother was a championship, pedigreed coon hound, and her daddy was a rogue who was smart enough to climb a fence. We adopted her while we were in college. She was too loud for the dorm, so she temporarily lived with our friend in off campus housing, where we discovered she could be soothed with Willie Nelson music.

When we settled in Blythewood, Dixie soon found a second home at our neighbor's horse farm. We often joked that we had the only employed dog in the area. I'll never forget the time I was surprised to see her in the neighbor's truck, accompanying them to town for an errand.

She was also gifted at barking late into the night and digging holes in the yard. She was sweet and docile with those she loved and possessive and territorial with those who were not familiar.

Rest in Peace, dear Dixie. We'll miss you.