My life, or the better part of it, is spent looking at houses.  I've seen some stunning ones for sure...contemporary homes styled with the latest art pieces and modern IKEA furnishings.  And I've seen some ugly homes too...not only ugly in design but just lacking in any personal taste...you would hardly know anyone lives there.

My favorite things to see in a home though, are family pictures.  Especially of pets.  A picture of a pet can tell you more about the person who lives there than I believe anything else can.

Is it a pocket dog?  Maybe high maintenance.

A pure-breed living in the lap of luxury?  Could be that pets' owner likes the finer things in life.

A fat cat?  I'd bet that home is warm and comfortable, with a rocker on the front porch to laze away a sleepy afternoon.

Maybe a Lab?  probably a real family centered home...with lots of outdoor fun like swimming and camping.

Myself?  well, here is my dog...Ted

This Friday, April 27th, we will be putting him down.

It's not something I want to do.  Not at all.  In fact, I believe I have cried more tears already this week over this than I have cried in forever.

My home will be different without him.  Ted is a Golden Retriever.  He loves to swim.  He has enjoyed camping, and taking walks.  Most of all though, over any outdoor activity, he loves to be with his family.  

Our home is full of dog hair.  There is always a scattering of dog food on the kitchen floor.  He is a big slobber-er, so you can bet there are always slobber stains on the pillows.  And sometimes piles of drool on the floor.  The blanket down beside my bed most likely smells like dog of course, because he has slept on the floor by my side for ten years.

And frankly, I don't care, and never have, because he is what makes our house a home.  His excitement when I come home for the day.  His jumping up and down when he is waiting for a treat.  And just all of the crazy little things that make Ted, Ted.

I have a wonderful family, and my house will always be the place I want to be the most.  But I don't know how it will feel like a home after my boy is gone.  I know time will heal this, and he will be in a great place.  I also know that we will come to have another dog someday, because we are just DOG PEOPLE.

But what makes your house a home?  Is it the style?  The decorating?  Or those furry little creatures that love you no matter how you feel or what you have done?  That unconditional love waiting for you when you open the door?

Thank you Ted for making my house a true home.  I love you.