Friday, June 14, 2013

The Fifth Member Of Our Family



Prompted by a comment from a long-time reader a few weeks back, today I decided to focus my post on our fifth family member, our much loved Asha.  Having shared a photo of Grace and her 'best friend' to accompany my thoughts on 'capturing the now', I felt bad that someone so familiar with my blog wasn't aware we had a dog...

For years before we had children, Asha was our baby.  We brought her home as a sweet little puppy... a typical Blue Heeler who nipped at our heels, dug holes in the garden we were working so hard to beautify and who tore my brand new dress off the washing line and ripped it to shreds.  Sunday walks at the Leighton dog beach or along the river were planned with Asha's needs in mind.  She joined us on several holidays to Esperance, had her own impressive 'collection' of stuffed toys and was regularly bought bones and other special treats.

When I fell pregnant with Grace, it was as though Asha could sense something.  She would no longer jump up excitedly when I was around and became my little shadow.  One morning early in my pregnancy, I experienced a frightening amount of bleeding. Terrified I was losing our baby, I sat on the couch alone and sobbed. Asha padded over to me and affectionately rested her head on my lap as a show of comfort, as though she shared my pain and worry.  I'll never forget that sweet gesture.


Nap time for Sophie and Asha


Slowly, our life began to change.  Grace came along and no longer was Asha our number one.  Folders of 'Asha' photos gave way to newborn snapshots.  I became more bothered by dog hair.  Visits to Leighton were few and far between.  However, over time, what she lacked in attention from us, was more than made up for with the companionship of Grace.  With the addition of Sophie, Asha's playmates doubled. The less frequent long walks, regular brushing and buying of treats is nowadays well and truly made up for by being chased around the yard and cuddled non-stop by our two girls who both jostle for the honour of being allowed to feed their beloved doggy.



Last night, as Paul was opening the back door to go put out the bins, Grace chased after him with a picture. He assumed it was one of her artworks she was insisting he put in his car and bring to work.

"Daddy, can you peg this up on the tree next to Asha's kennel?  I've drawn a picture for her," she explained.

It seems that concern is shown not only for her comfort, but also for the attractiveness of her sleeping space.  While she may not be the main subject of my photography these days, nor as spoilt as she once was, Asha is is loved now more than ever and such an important member of our family.

7 comments:

  1. SO gorgeous! Look at little Sophie there. As much as our dog drives me a bit nuts sometimes, he's been with us for 10 years and I really can't imagine him not being part of our family. It's so great for Kids to grow up with pets. Enjoy your weekend! Mel x

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    1. She looks so peaceful in that photo, but take note of the bottle of Brauer homeopathic colic relief by her feet :) I've always thought your whippet was adorable :)

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  2. Even now that the boys are grown I find they love to relax by throwing balls for the dogs and generally having a rough and tumble with them..the dogs love them too! Your dog is beautiful and has a lovely nature by the look of them all playing.

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    1. She is very gentle natured and very placid around the girls :)

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  3. Beautifully written, Amanda. I am a true dog lover with three of my own, so this post touches my heart. Dogs are a wonderful part of the family. I think it's great for kids to grow up with a pet. It teaches responsibility and compassion. How sweet that Grace drew a picture for Asha! Thanks for telling us about your four-legged family member.
    Claudia

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  4. Awwww!! I don't know what it is, but that post made me feel a bit weepy haha. Maybe it was the photo of Asha looking so deliriously happy playing with Grace or the story of her drawing a picture to make her kennel pretty... so sweet! You write so beautifully Amanda, you captured so perfectly what it must be like for a dog to be numero uno for years until the little people come along - although I am certain that Asha is just as happy now, if not more, than she was during the time she was the focus of you and Paul's entire attention xx

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  5. This is so beautiful Amanda. Our dog is such a wonderful part of our lives too and although not the centre of my life she certainly is for the girls just like Asha is for Grace. What a beautiful dog you have and a wonderful friendship that Grace and Asha have formed, just gorgeous. xx

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