How Abby Got Her Name

            My daughter was expecting her third child.  If a girl, she would be named Abigail.  If a boy, he would be named David.  And so; it happened, David was born.

My daughter’s husband was an avid hunter.  He heard of Labrador retrievers for sale.  He was offered a good deal with one for two hundred dollars less than usual cost.  With both my husband and daughter in agreement, they purchased a female Labrador retriever puppy.  At first they talked about breeding the dog, but later decided on having her spayed.  She was to be trained as a hunting dog.  The name of the dog came easy as Abigail (Abby), not given to their baby, was given to her.  As her husband went hunting less and less, Abby became the family pet.  She never did get trained for hunting.

Abby became a companion to the three little boys.  She went everywhere the family could take her.  They went to the park.  They went to the lake.  They went camping.  They went bicycle riding.  Abby was having as much fun as the rest of the family.  At night, she took turns sleeping in each one's room.  She sat with them as they played computer games.  She watched television with them.  Abby had the best of a life any dog could ask for.  She was loved by all and she loved all them.

David would often have ear infections.  Abby did too.  Off to the pediatrician David went.  And off to the veterinarian Abby went.  It was soon my daughter was asking, “What are the chances of one who was to be named Abby and the one getting the name Abby having ear infections the same time?”

“It’s just coincidence,” I answered.

“I know,” she continued, but she kept using similarities.

“David loves to go to the Pediatrician.  Abby likes to go to the veterinarian.  They like to see Abby come.  She is such a friendly dog.   She shows her happiness with the wag of her tail.  David shows his happiness with non-stop talk.  I could name lots of things they have in common.”

“They do live in the same house.  There are bound to be similarities.”  I said, “But remember; one is a dog and the other is a little boy.  They do have a bond.  I think any pet and owner can create things in common if love is there.”

In visiting my daughter and her family, I saw the love between the dog and the boys.  It especially showed with David and Abby.

How a dog is treated is what makes his/her personality.  Abby is treated with love and affection.  She receives no abuse at the hands of her masters.  Why anyone would mistreat a helpless animal puzzles me.  A dog wants to be loved and will return that love back.

It won’t happen, but saying it did, I would take Abby in a minute as my dog if they ever wanted to give her away.  She is a gentle and loving dog!