September 10, 1990-July 15, 2002

Susan’s Spottie Alexander aka “Spottie Pippen”

You came to me as a 10 month old….  A weak moment as my dad had just died, and I got a call from my vet who told me the tale of woe of a beautiful 10 month old black & white spotted cocker spaniel.  Your owners had come to euthanize you, claiming you were the “terror of the neighborhood” and “vicious.”  The vet didn’t feel that you had any of those qualities, and asked the family if she could try to re-home him.  I told her I was only going to look at you (I had really wanted a lab as a second dog), but went out the door with a leash in my hand.  It soon became evident what a nervous little guy you were, and that you had undergone some physical abuse.

You soon became part of the family.  Grandma used to sit and try to count your spots, but always told you she couldn’t count that high.  Playing tennis ball was your favorite.  You wanted anyone who would to throw a ball for you -until their arm fell off. 

We took you tracking with Patience and me, and while you enjoyed the field, you would take a break to chase a butterfly or two…..  
You were the class clown at agility, frequently making up your own courses, and especially enjoyed it if you found a runaway tennis ball to carry with you.  But when it came time to compete, you stood on the line and shook.  You didn’t want anyone scoring your performance! 

You also helped me through law school, but unlike Patience who specialized in Constitutional Law (equal rights for cocker spaniels); you were more the social chairman.  But that’s OK.  It was an important job, after all.

You were part of our pack.  You never were a terror.  You never were vicious.  You were just Spottie, a dog who just wanted to be loved and feel secure his entire life.  And a dog who had wonderful spots!

Love, Mom