Sunset: Beach Hound

When we got the news we were heading to North Carolina for work, we turned on the computer and began looking for sleepy little beach towns.

The pups could stay with my parents, and we would take the babe to the beach for the first time.

If you know our old hound dog Marley than you more than likely know that Marley doesn't handle change well. Mar prefers to spend her mornings alone in the sun, her days in bed, her evenings getting a home cooked meal, and then back to bed - her own bed. A bed covered with a down comforter.

We were concerned about how she would handle staying with my mom for the week. So, when we saw that these tiny little towns along the Carolina coast welcomed pups, we decided Mar would join us.

The fresh air would be good for her. She could use a little change of atmosphere. This has been a rough eight months for Mar.

Mar does not dislike Lane in any way. She just chooses to treat him like she treats the dining room table: it is in our house, it takes up a lot of room, and it is not going any where.

Occasionally, Mar will give Lane a little sniff or look at him in passing. Yet she still prefers not to touch him, be near him or pretty much acknowledge him.

So, yes, a family beach trip - minus the short hair - would do all four of us well. We could relax. Lane could experience the beach. Mar could feel important - because she is. Mar is so important to our family. If Mar is in a good mood. We are all in a good mood.

Because, the thing is, Lane loves Mar. Elly Mae will play with him all the time. Elly Mae doesn't mind his tiny hands pulling at her ears or lips. Those two are always in each others faces.

But Mar, she is hesitant. And Lane, he wants Mar to love him. He gets so excited when she walks in a room or looks his way.

You can't imagine the pure glee we felt when we took Mar to the beach Friday evening and saw our ten-year-old hound transform into a pup. James and I laughed and smiled. Lane was elated to see his black dog running, playing in the water and having fun.

It was a sight.

A sight I am sure James and I will always remember.