Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

wordstroken

(1,242 posts)
19. IKR? Her mom is 120-pound St. Bernard, dad's a 12-pound Mini Poodle. She has the mahogany and white color markings
Sun Mar 30, 2025, 04:22 PM
Mar 2025

of a Saint, with hair texture that’s a slightly wavy combo — making her look more like a scraggly stuffed animal, rather than a real puppy. Too cute. One of the most loving dogs I’ve ever had.

I’ve always loved huge Saint Bernards, adopting several at a time.

One 190-pound girl was my soul mate. Brilliant and gentle pup. Easily trainable. She became a Comfort Therapy dog who worked with the nonprofit I founded to serve at-risk kids. With my literary leanings, I taught her to read flash cards, which amazed kids with learning disabilities as they watched her sit, lie down, or high-five from reading the cards. Kids figured, “If a dog can read, then so can I.” A miracle to watch. Paxton (named after the goddess of peace, serenity, intelligence, and strength), accompanied me on long treks across the country to schools, churches and shelters after disasters to donate kids books I write, as well as food, diapers, blankets, toys, etc., and to comfort kids traumatized from losing their parents or homes in a hurricane or tornado. It was such a joy to watch the children interact with her.

But the pain and heartbreak of losing Paxton and my other Saints after their short life spans has been unbearable.

That’s why this time I adopted my sweet mini Saint mix. Her life expectancy is more than twice that of a full-breed SB. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made. (Even if her “potty outside” skills need more work. She’s worth every moment of clean-up — and more.)

Sounds like you have several pets, too.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

I read The Lost Coast and enjoyed it. Finished cbabe Mar 2025 #1
Ann Boleyn was beheaded again SARose Mar 2025 #2
Same as last week The King of Prussia Mar 2025 #3
A whole new world awaits hermetic Mar 2025 #8
"Memory Man," by David Baldacci Bayard Mar 2025 #4
That does sound good hermetic Mar 2025 #9
For a kinder, gentler world of puppy love -- plus action, mystery, drama, and humor -- this book series is the best. wordstroken Mar 2025 #5
Sweet hermetic Mar 2025 #11
IKR? Her mom is 120-pound St. Bernard, dad's a 12-pound Mini Poodle. She has the mahogany and white color markings wordstroken Mar 2025 #19
Thank you hermetic Mar 2025 #22
Amazing! Didn't realize that there's such a thing as a branch shelter for cats. wordstroken Mar 2025 #23
I recently discovered David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series. I'm hooked. Polly Hennessey Apr 2025 #25
I hear you about being hooked on the Andy Carpenter series. wordstroken Apr 2025 #26
Happy Sunday. Its been a rainy week here, thankfully washes the green pollen away. I read txwhitedove Mar 2025 #6
I just downloaded the Kellerman's "The Lost Coast," and will check out Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series. wordstroken Mar 2025 #7
Enjoy! hermetic Mar 2025 #10
I'm into a good one. Red Clay by Charles B. Fancher japple Mar 2025 #12
Good stuff! hermetic Mar 2025 #14
The Andromeda Evolution LogDog75 Mar 2025 #13
I'm reading V2 by Robert Harris. It revolves around the German terror weapon of WWII, rsdsharp Mar 2025 #15
Yikes hermetic Mar 2025 #16
You should be able to get a refund. I've goofed in the past when ordering a Kindle book, and got a refund. wordstroken Mar 2025 #20
Currently a Miss Fisher's detective novel "Ruddy Gore" Book 7 yellowdogintexas Mar 2025 #17
I, too, love Phryne Fisher hermetic Mar 2025 #18
prince caspian. pansypoo53219 Mar 2025 #21
I finally finished Jilly_in_VA Mar 2025 #24
SCI FI series about giant asteroids hitting the planet & the underground facilities to save SOME of the people Attilatheblond Apr 2025 #27
Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Fiction»What Fiction are you read...»Reply #19