HAPPY PUPPY / 2 HAPPY KIDS

At age 11, my Sister and I finally got our first puppy. It was a Christmas to remember. In tradition, my older Sister, Pat, and I woke up early that Christmas morning, in 1963. We didn’t seem to pay attention to the fact of Mom and Dad was already out of bed. They were actually sitting in the Living Room, by our Christmas tree, awaiting our arrival. As children our focus was naturally on opening gifts. There seemed to be the usual amount of gifts under the tree. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary and we were excited. Having awoken from a deep sleep, on Christmas morning, all I could think about were the presents under the tree. Pat and I opened our presents. We were happy and pleased, even though I now have no recollection of what those gifts were. We were always thankful for anything we received, and did not ponder over what we may have wanted and did not get. My Parents had a decent income. They both came from poor families and worked very hard for what we had. Dad always worked two jobs. Mom worked a part-time job. In those days it was only a small percentage of Mothers who worked outside the home. Pat and I knew this. We were very grateful we had a middle class-income, home, and good parents. All of a sudden my Dad stood up and said ‘wait a minute girls, I think there is one more gift for you both to share.’ ‘Just sit tight.’ We remained seated on the floor, with gift wrap and presents scattered, in wait. Dad disappeared into the basement. We were so full of wonder, excitement, and anxious, the wait seemed like a very long time. Then Dad reappeared, with a cardboard box in hand, covered with white tissue paper taped to the very top. What in the world could this gift be??!! We had no idea. Now the curiosity was over the edge. Oh we were so excited! I was so full of wonder I did not even mind the thought of having to share whatever was in the box, with my Sister. Dad appeared to be excited as well, which was rare. Dad was a stern, serious Father who seldom showed emotions. Dad set the box on the floor, between Pat and myself. We started ripping into the layers of paper. Dad said ‘now you got to take it easy.’ We slowed the pace and became gentle, as instructed. We still had no clue. It seemed to take a long time to get that paper off the top of the box, to see what was inside. Finally, Pat and I got the paper off! Down in the bottom corner of the box sat our new little Puppy! She was a Teacup Toy Chihuahua, blond in color , just shivering and shaking. She looked up at us with her big brown eyes. I saw her fear, yet observed so much love in her eyes. So very tiny and cute. Pat and I sat crying happy tears as we gently picked her up. We were thrilled! Totally surprised and full of joy. As we held the puppy, Mom explained she was AKC Registered. Her name was Chi-Chi. It was interesting to see her family history, along with her date of birth. Mom and Dad were quick to state that we girls would be totally responsible for her care and training. We had no problem with that. Chi-Chi became not only the love of our family, but of most of our neighbors too! She blossomed into an absolute sweetheart. Friendly to all. Full of love. In summer our family sat on our front porch, most evenings. Chi-Chi was right there with us. We had taught her the boundaries of our yard for which she totally understood. Most of the kids on our street would come up to the porch to say hello and pet Chi-Chi. The kids were gentle and loving to her. Chi-Chi soaked it up too, once she learned they meant her no harm. We all played with her on the grass. She loved to run and play. As time went on, Chi-Chi became Moms’ lap dog. She was always warm and affectionate to each one of us, but clearly favored Mom. Pat and I understood because as we grew into our teen years, then adults, we were not home as often. When the time came for ‘the birdies to leave the nest’ there was no question about leaving Chi-Chi with Mom. We always loved Chi-Chi and she was always happy to see us. Chi-Chi lived for 13 wonderful years. At the time she passed I was married. We had just bought a house and moved in. My husband surprised me with a purebred Irish Setter puppy. That is a whole other story.