by Susan Lynch
It was hot that August day when my husband and I went to the Talbot County Kennel Club show in Easton, Maryland. We went to see the shelties as they are our favorite breed. The location was a nice shady park and we enjoyed the competition and our conversations with the breeders and handlers.
It was time to leave and as we were driving out my husband asked me to get us a couple of hotdogs for our lunch. I told him I would be right back and as I walked toward the concession stand I was waylaid by a wagging tail and cute face! She was a small sable & white sheltie puppy who was looking at me from the activity pen. I was entranced and she was clamoring for my attention. Since I was gone a long time my husband came in search of me. Instead of a "hotdog" he found a cute and cuddly puppy in my arms showering me with kisses. The well known sheltie breeder, Patty Page, had brought her along for the day as a special treat. She told me she was for sale since she would be too tall to show in competition. Mike looked at me and knew we would bring this puppy home with us. Mike later remarked that she was the most expensive hotdog he had ever bought. (And yes he never got the hotdog to eat)!
We named her Amberleigh and introduced her to our other sheltie Buddy. After an adjustment period they became fast friends and companions. Ambereleigh was my "forever" dog. She was sweet, loving and my loyal companion. Many memories crowd my mind as I write this; her running & barking when I would tear aluminum foil, her helping in the kitchen (waiting for a tidbit), snuggling in the bed with us especially during a thunder storm.....Amberleigh also loved to be outdoors. At leaf raking time you would find her barking at the rake or peeking out from a pile of leaves. When it snowed she was her happiest, eating snowflakes and plowing it with her nose. Our dear pup would make me snow angels and loved to go for walks down the country lane in the winter.
Amberleigh left us in January of 1999 at 5 years old. She died from an immune disease and although she fought hard to stay with us the disease took its toll. We were fortunate to share one last Christmas with her and she was like her old self on that special day. She played with her toys, shared in our festivities and enjoyed a special treat.
As I look back now I see that puppy under the shade treat wagging her tail and I thank God I went to get a "hotdog". Her spirit is always with me and so I'll conclude this with the words I say everynight.....Always and Forever Amberleigh, Always.
Susan Lynch now resides in Grand Rapids, MN with her husband, Mike and their 3 wonderful pets. Her furry family includes 2 shelties, Buddy 10 yrs old and Hannah who is almost 2, and last but not LEAST, Tiny the Great, her orange tabby cat, also 10 yrs old.