He's not just a dog

Elroy today, sitting by the
computer trying to help!

Elroy, our yellow lab, came to the farm last summer as a 10-week-old pup. He's a Buckeye by birth, but a Boilermaker by choice!



My husband and I were excited. We had grieved the loss of our beloved lab, Fletcher, who died two years ago after 11 years as a member of our family.

"Our boy, Elroy" got his name from Fletcher's middle name. That, and from The Jetson's cartoon after George and Jane's cute son, Elroy, also blond-haired, short and slightly pudgy.

Elroy and I getting
acquainted last summer.

The farm just didn't seem the same without a canine companion. Elroy captured our hearts very quickly (and a couple pair of my sandals, too). He's not Fletcher. Fletcher never chewed on my sandals. Fletcher also wasn't very stubborn. But, he also didn't like to travel in a vehicle of any kind.

Elroy doesn't know a stranger. His wagging tail could be registered as a weapon (albeit unintentional). And, he loves to go anywhere . . . even the vet's office. That's a good thing. He's had more than his share of visits to the vet in his short life (he just turned 1).

We almost lost him twice at the age of six months. Seems he developed intestional problems due to food allergies and had two emergency surgeries, otherwise he wouldn't be here. We had another scare this week, but turns out it's a stomach bug. Still, it's hard when that tail doesn't wag and he curls up in your lap on the floor because he just feels so lousy.

Today, the sun is shining and Elroy is feeling a little better. Hopefully, he can do his usual walk in Sigler Woods with the hubby this weekend.

If you haven't read the essay Just a Dog, by Richard A. Biby, you should. You'll understand what I'm talking about. He's part of the farm, and our family.

God is good.