Lady--what a story!

December 5th, 2009 was the day we officially adopted Lady. We like to joke that she was a rePET(repeat) offender, as when we first saw her, it was her second time at the Bow Valley SPCA. Having been there once before, and then adopted by another couple who returned her after less than a year, we were thrilled to find a dog with so much love and energy. At the time we had gone to the SPCA and met Lady, we were in between homes and could not have a dog with us until early December. This meant a month or so of regular visits (and lots of treats) with her. The day my husband went to bring her home, I was out of town for a family emergency, but coming home to Canmore and seeing her was exactly what I needed. The amount of love and cuddling she provides will cheer up the saddest person.

Finding out a bit about Lady's history, we learned that she had been through numerous name changes. Born Spot, then changed to Dot/Dottie, then Lady (at her first appearance at the SCPA), changed to Daisy by her previous adopters, and then to Lady Daisy when she was sent back due to her high energy and aging owners, we considered changing her name again, but opted to leave her name as Lady as she didn't need yet ANOTHER name. Having been shuffled around, going through name changes, this girl needed stability and consistency in her life.

In the first 3 years we had her, we learned that Lady (an English Springer Spaniel) lives true to her name, and does not walk anywhere, but SPRINGS. She loves to travel and has joined us  on many road trips, hike, swim, put her head under water and look around, and dig in snow. She shakes both her paws, high fives, and has an impeccable sense as to when it's time to eat. She has been a great running and biking partner, and has alerted fellow hikers to a bear ahead on the trail that had not been seen yet. She will jump out of the boat to go swimming, fishing, and check out the birds on shore, but will never stray far.

Two years ago, just after our 3rd year anniversary of adopting her, we welcomed our first child. And 6 months ago, welcomed twins. Since then, we've also learned that Lady is also a great protector, and fantastic friend to children. She has comforted them, watched over them, and they also enjoy having her around. Nothing makes one of our twins laugh more than Lady running by wagging her tail. She is affectionately referred to by our older son as 'Lala' and an animal of great sloppy kisses to our twin girls. Lady is known by many in the Bow Valley, and has been recognized by many when we are out and about with her. She also made an appearance in the 2011 SPCA calendar, and represented the month of May, which was our first month of marriage, since we got married April 30th. As silly as it is, that was incredibly exciting.

Always at your feet and ready for adventure, Lady has been more than perfect for our family and we are so glad we could give her the forever home that she deserves.