It had been a busy day and stressful week in October 2001 when I got the call from Jim... "hurry home from work today, there is something I need you to see." When I got home that afternoon, I was surprised to see a tiny ball of fur running around like a Tasmanian devil in our apartment living room. Suddenly it stopped and looked at me, it was love at first sight! Andre was special from the start.
It wasn't long before we started noticing his itching and itching and itching (even losing his fur)... thanks to our amazing vet Dr. Burns, we were referred to Dr. Beadleston - our animal dermatologist. Andre was diagnosed with allergies ranging from meats, mammals (yes this includes humans), the black mold that grows when it's wet outside and juniper trees. Thanks to years of Dr. Beadleston's care and a weekly regiment of allergy shots and steroid pills, Andre grew back all of his hair and turned back into that Tasmanian devil and unstoppable personality. He often reminds me of Pig Pen from Charlie Brown... a bit messy but endearing.
Over the years, we have faced challenges from root canals to emergency eye surgery (thank you Dr. Roberts!). But, more valuable than what we have experienced is what we have learned from our Andre. When life brings you lemons, you have no choice than to make lemonade... how important this lesson will become.
It was February 2003 when Taylor unexpectedly joined our family. He was that "unplanned child" but, life wouldn't be the same without him. As a puppy, Taylor wanted nothing more than to be Andre's best friend... if only Andre had felt the same way. This ball of energy and fur quickly grew into the most lovable and quirky dog I had ever had.
Taylor watches over his family like we are all sheep - needing to know where we are in the house at all times. Those big brown eyes and loving personality have a way of melting the heart of anybody. Thanks to our monthly trips to Jay, he always looks handsome with his bandannas and ready for adventure. He is sensitive and seems to have a way of knowing when you just need a cuddle.
I always laughed and called Taylor our "healthy dog." After going through so much with Andre the worst thing we had ever had with Taylor was a kinked neck (from sleeping on his back) or injured paw from the winter cold. It was all about to change, with that small bump on his back right hip and a trip to visit Dr. Burns...
We often say, Taylor is the reason Andre got his hair back and returned back to "normal" (I use this loosely). The vet told us to socialize him more... and we brought home a brother... I'm not sure that is what he was talking about but it worked! Now it's Andre's lessons of strength and courage that will help Taylor on the journey we are about to take.
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