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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Twelve years ago today a red and white baby boy was
born with a heart shape on his head. Even though he was a classified
in the paper, he came from a wonderful family who were responsible
breeders. I called just to do some checking, knowing I could not afford
him. The DH came home during the call. Oh, no. I told him I
was only checking and getting info for a time when things were better and I
could maybe think about adding a houndie. He was able to sneak the number
and paper away, made some calls, and the boy with the heart on his head became
my Valentine's present that year. He has always been a daddy's boy
because they bonded so much that first day waiting on me to get home. The
heart on his head has faded, but his heart inside has grown each year.
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> At 12, Stanley has slowed down
quite a bit. He stumbles a lot on our walk. He has senior moments
where he forgets where he is. His hair is graying more and more each
year. His joints hurt more. He barks at nothing (or so it
seems). But there are times when he will pick up a toy and play like he
was a puppy again, running and chasing the others, then getting mad when someone
gets a little rough. He sleeps under the cover right next to me every
night, though now I have to help him in the bed.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> Stanley will have a special cake
and ice cream tonight, along with lots of love and treats and time with his mama
today. I know 12 is not a young basset anymore, but I am blessed
with each day I get to wake up next to The Man Stan.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Bonnie</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Slave to Stanley, Beachbaby, Lowretta, Lillie
Pearl, Bode, Stella (ATB), J.D. (ATB), Begonia (ATB)</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>