Blossom was born on June 30, 1996.  As you can gather from her photographs, Blossom has some interesting characteristics.  Her tongue is actually three times longer than her head.  As you can see, she can't ever keep the whole thing in her mouth.  When panting after exercise, it often touches the ground.  Her ears were never cropped.  Her legs are positioned so that while she can lay down, she cannot sit.  She will try if you tell her to, however her bottom is always about two inches off the ground.  

She is loved instantly by all who meet her (both humans & animals).  She has no desire to "be in charge" of anything or anyone.  She doesn't know how to bark, but is beginning to learn if I get her excited while running and playing with her.  She is so friendly to everyone that when a stranger rings my doorbell, I hold her by her collar so she doesn't let on that she's a lover and not a fighter.     

Blossom was adopted by my close friend, Amon, as a companion animal, when she was just a few weeks old.  Amon had AIDS and was nervous and frightened to live by himself.  Except for one daughter, his family had deserted him.  I promised I'd be happy to adopt Blossom when Amon died.  Amon and Blossom quickly became very dependent on one another.  Blossom traveled with Amon as a service dog where ever he went.  Blossom was allowed on planes and trains. She also accompanied him on all car errands, waiting patiently in the car until he returned.  Blossom and Amon lived in an apartment.  He would take her out for walks, 2 to 3 times a day, depending on how sick he was feeling.  She remained faithful, helpful, and undemanding of him.

I received a phone call from Amon's daughter during this past Labor weekend, telling me that my close friend was dying, and wanted to see me as soon as possible.  I left the next morning for Indiana.  Amon was alert but very weak.  He and I talked some, and then Amon discussed his concern for Blossom.  He was wondering if he should have her put to sleep after he died, so she wouldn't be given to a "bad home" or grieve herself to death.  (The few times he was hospitalized, Blossom had refused to eat.)  They had rarely been separated from each other.  I again offered to adopt Blossom.  Amon quickly told his daughter that he wanted me to take her.  The next day, Amon become delirious, and he died five days later.

Blossom and I drove the 12 hours home, stopping overnight in West Virginia.  She was well behaved, but refused to eat.  She didn't eat for several days after we got home.  Finally, she was convinced to eat by a male friend.  She is happy now and has adjusted well.  She had never seen wild animals except squirrels and chipmunks.  She now loves looking (not chasing) deer and rabbit.  She has never chased my two cats.  She comes the first time she's called, and loves the freedom that 2 acres in the country provide for her.

Blossom is a wonderful animal, and I consider myself very fortunate to have her.  She was Amon's one prized possession, and has quickly become one of mine.  I will always feel that Amon is never far away, as long as Blossom is with me.

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