Marley{freckles} & Me

Like usual we are way behind in the movie world. We just finally watched Marley & Me. A great movie but not great timing in my life. Before we moved to Florida- we had to put down my family dog- Freckles. May not seem like a big deal- but Freckles was 13+ years, no one can remember for sure. He was a GREAT dog- but didn't always listen good. I couldn't help but put my Freckles into the movie- it was truly about him.

I remember when my mom brought Freckles home. Josie & I were so excited! I even remember him playing in the basement with us. Josie was the one who thought of his name. I remember my mom- feeling so bad about taking him from his mom & siblings that she sat outside and rocked him in the patio chairs many many nights. It continued to if she sat in one of the rocker chairs- he would try and get in her lap. I don't think we can even count the numerous pairs of shoes he ate- long past his puppy year. When I was ~12 I had just got a new pair of soccer cleats- I left them outside and yes Freckles ate them- I could of killed him then- I had to save the money and buy a new pair because it was my mistake.

I tried to teach him how to jump in the back of the truck- he never caught on to well but would jump in the cab of the truck and well any car any chance he got. I would get so mad at him when Daniel & I were dating- as soon as we pulled in the driveway for me to go home Freckles wouldn't stop barking for anything! Mom & Dad knew exactly when I had pulled in the driveway and how long it should take to walk into the house.

One time when dad was away on a Fishing Trip- mom forgot to lock the back door and it didn't shut tight. She said when she came down in the morning Freckles was laying guarding the door- which he had done all night long.
 Freckles was my running buddy- from the time I was a teenager he followed me any where. This spring when I was training for my Triathlon I finally had to tie him at home because he couldn't keep up with me but wouldn't stay home on his own. He always chased the horses- and knew exactly when you were eating out on the patio and wouldn't ever leave you alone until you fed him just a little bit.

He was Cinch's babysitter and playmate this past spring and summer. But he was so sick that he couldn't play anymore.
I had to put tons of animals down when I was a Vet Tech and it never phased me- but putting Freckles to sleep was harder than alot of things I have done. So here is to you Freckles and your long legacy with the Baxter Family- I hope one day Daniel & I can have a dog as loyal as you were.