Lulu

Their laughter was intoxicating. Inviting. The hole was nearly deep enough for her to sneak under the fence. Lulu had to get to them. She frantically dug the dirt. She bounced up on the other side.

“Look! A puppy is in our yard! I wonder where it came from!”

The children ran to Lulu who had finally navigated a challenging terrain for an 8 month old puppy.

She chased the kids. The kids chased Lulu. Fun and frolicking commenced.

Tammy slowly pulled into the driveway. Although it was Easter (2013) and she and her wife Cheryel were there to visit their nephew, they couldn’t help but notice the scrawny, ugly dog that their great nieces and nephews were playing with in the front yard. Cheryel walked directly to the chaos of children playing with Lulu.

“Who’s this?” Cheryel asked the kids.

“We don’t know. She just showed up and started playing with us,” the eldest great niece explained.

Cheryel bent down and scratched Lulu’s ears. “Aren’t you a sight to behold,” she exclaimed.

“Nice buck teeth, puppy,” Tammy grinned and gently caressed the scrawny girl, lifting her into a soft embrace. She handed Lulu to Cheryel. A car slowed down at the curb.

“There she is!” The neighbors living behind her nephew in South Minneapolis were looking for the lost girl. After a short introduction, they learned that the pup was up for adoption: they simply were not home enough to care for the little doll. Cheryel’s heart leapt.

“Her name is Lulu,” the neighbor explained.

Cheryel held the puppy tenderly. “You are such a good girl, Lulu.” Hesitantly, she returned the cherub to the neighbors. She wanted a smaller pup, but Tammy was still keen on a larger dog - perhaps another German Shepard who needed a new home. In January they lost their Maggie, a beloved German Shepard. But Cheryel was keen on a smaller, more compact model.

“I’ll take her,” Cheryel pronounced. Tammy looked at her with wide eyes. She was not in the market for another small dog. Cheryel waved at the car as Lulu and family drove away.

A few days later, after many phone calls and extended discussions, Cheryel and Tammy returned to bring Lulu, to her new, forever home.

Joy ensued.

The Three Amigos - Lulu, Stella, and Gertie

What Lulu didn’t know was that her new forever home also came with two sisters!

Cautiously, Lulu sniffed new sister Stella, a Decker Giant Rat Terrier. But sister Gertie, a Jack Russell Terrier, also wanted in on the fun of tag and run. The three of them became the best of friends: Lulu immediately fit right in.

Excitedly, Lulu explored her new abode and was enchanted to discover two bins full of toys for her pleasure. Some squeak. Some are soft. But for Lulu, the best…the Best…the BEST toy is the crackler. It’s soft on the outside but makes a crunching/crackling sound when she rolls on it.

Paws down, the crackler is the favorite of all Lulu’s toys. And Lulu is the favorite of all Cheryel fur babies. Yes, she knows mommies shouldn’t say that they have a favorite child. But Cheryel can’t help it. Lulu is the sweetest of all her kids. She hasn’t done a DNA test on her, but the consensus is that she a delicate mix of Shih Tzu, Brussels Griffon, and pure joy.

Lulu’s universe continued to expand as the family readied for a small vacation. With everyone packed into the car, Lulu curled up in the backseat for a lovely ride. Once they arrived at the lake, Lulu hopped out and charged down the length of the yard. New smells! Different grass under her paws! Before she knew it, three labs were running toward her, barking and jumping. Were they welcoming her or warning her? Her doggy instincts kicked in and Lulu was able to chase them away, saving her humans from imminent doom.

After a snack and a belly rub, everyone headed to the shore and out for a ride. Not fond of the water, Lulu gingerly investigated the perimeter of the pontoon boat. The unusual smells were delicious, but this water - everywhere - thing, was not to her liking. After a detailed inspection, Lulu settled on a sun warmed cushion and stretched out next to her moms. The wind gently blew in her face, stirring even more aromas to admire. She was a very happy girl, available for a belly rub at any time. Her life was blessed. She had everything she needed and wanted.

As she melted into her new life, Lulu garnered new friends at Northbrook Animal Hospital, where Dr. Blum was especially attentive. Lulu’s bow legs were initially a concern - might she have rickets? Thankfully, no. She was just built that way. She was sent home to play and thrive.

Sadly, as the years passed, they lost Gertie and Stella. Lulu needed a sister.

Cue a darling Rat Terrier named Tully, who, at 11 weeks, joined the family about 5 1/2 years ago. Lulu tapped Tully’s nose with her paw, inviting her to the two bins of toys. Tully pranced behind Lulu and pulled out a stuffed strawberry snake. Lulu grabbed the end and tugged. Tully yanked it back. Lulu let go. She quickly ran behind and around Tully to once again grab the other end. They tugged and played, teased and toppled on one another. Best friends from the beginning.

As the years wore on, Lulu did develop some health issues. She battled cancer, developed a tear in her meniscus in her back leg, has kidney concerns, and recently a scratch on her eye was discovered. But with the good care from Northbrook, and her doting moms, Lulu is still a bona fide joy.

When the sun goes down and the house settles into stillness, everyone is ready for bed. Lulu runs to the second bin and grabs her pull toy. She prances into the bedroom and briskly shakes her head. Cheryel knows it’s her cue. She grabs the free end of the toy and growls at Lulu. Lulu pulls and softly growls back. They pull. They faux fight for the snake. Lulu has its head. Cheryel has its tail. Lulu’s own tail whips as she gleefully plays. It’s fun playing with Tully, but Mom brings extra love.

Alas, when the playing is done, belly rubs are given, and lights go out, everyone settles in for the night. Tully is a bit restless so she stays on the floor or goes into her kennel. Lulu, on the other hand, jumps into the welcoming human bed and settles at the foot. It won’t be long until she quietly sneaks up on to a pillow at the head of the bed. It’s soft. It’s cozy. The warmth of Moms’ breath and the sweet smell of her humans lulls Lulu into a joyful slumber. She slips into a deep sleep, grateful that she knows how to dig.

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Bennie

Sly

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