Sandy was a part of the family from the day we brought her home -- as we sat down for supper that first night Sandy dragged a small rug over to the kitchen table so that she could be with us.

Although you may think that she was named for the color of her fur, which is only part of the story. Any of you who have kids and have a sandbox know that along with building castles, playing with trucks and other toys, one of the favorite things to do with a sandbox is to try to empty it out. Well, even as a pup, it seemed that Sandy could empty it out faster than David or Eric. We eventually figured out that she enjoyed digging in it so much because she liked to lie on the "cool" sand that was several inches below the "warm" top layer. Even when we no longer had a sandbox she persisted in digging for a cool spot with the landscaping bearing the brunt of her actions.

As we already mentioned, Sandy adopted us as soon as we adopted her. As part of the pack, the only thing that was ever in doubt was were in the pecking order she belonged. She knew that Melissa and Tom were alpha to her, David she wasn't sure while she was definitely alpha to Eric. Because of this confusion, she always seemed miffed if David or Eric received better treatment than her including being forced to sit in the back seat (steerage), getting better food or a nicer present.

Regardless of pecking order, Sandy definitely saw herself as protector of the peace and of the family. If anyone in the family was doing anything that resembled fighting including fake boxing, snapping towels and the occasional wrestling match, Sandy would bark, growl ferociously and jump at whoever she thought was the instigator. If we were out walking and she was off her leash, she would run ahead but then circle back to make sure everyone was still together. She even "herded" at home helping get the kids to bed after story time as soon as Tom started counting -- a slow oonnne, twoooo, threeee in a serious voice let her know that the kids were in going to get in "trouble" if they didn't start heading for bed.

Whether a quick trip to the store or a cross-country adventure, wherever we went Sandy came along. Her favorite in-town trips included the bank drive-through where she would get dog treats in the pneumatic tubes, any grocery store since Melissa could always fine something to give to Sandy and, of course, her paws down favorite was PetsMart where she was allowed to go into the store, sniff all the wonderful smells, gets samples and generally be treated like a first-class customer.

• Christie Elementary School - Walking there every day to pick up the kids; standing around ever so patiently while kids petted her; being told by kids that they knew that she was a girl since (cringe) she had a pink collar and leash (whew); getting chased by geese
• Sailing - Getting stuck in the bimini when wearing her life jacket; barking at buoys; having to get dinghied to shore to do her business
  
• Atlanta Olympics - Hanging in the hotel (since we broke down and couldn't drop her off in Savannah); scaring away seedy people at gas stations
  
• New Mexico - Running up and down trails during hikes, playing in the snow
  
• Key Largo - Swimming competition with a cocker spaniel
  
• Savannah - Digging in the biggest sandbox that she had ever seen (the beach), barking at & jumping into the waves
  

While the majority of what Sandy ate was traditional dog food, we always tried to flavor it with some leftovers. In addition, we almost always saved a little something from whatever we were eating to give her after we were done -- of course, certain un-named relatives routinely feed her from the table while we were eating. While Sandy ate almost everything that we gave her she did have her favorites including Bone Schlupp (pronounced bon-a shloop) and Spritz Cookies.

Sandy had a healthy appetite that didn't stop at what we gave her -- on more than one occasion she took matters into her own paws. One of the funniest times was when Melissa & Eric, who were in the middle of decorating a large sheet cake, had to run outside briefly to check on something. When they returned, there was Sandy standing on the chair that Eric had been standing on, her muzzle covered in frosting and close to a quarter of the cake missing. (Yes, we trimmed off the "doggy" part and served the rest -- hey, it was a bunch of elementary school aged soccer players.)

Other food memories include:

• Sandy helping herself to a chunk of Pop's salami that had been sitting unguarded on the washer or dryer (Yes we once again trimmed off the "doggy" part...)
• Proudly showing off new treats as everyone would come home from work or school
• Barking to be "let out" just so Eric would get up from the computer and either feed her or give her snack

Whether it was a birthday or Hanukkah, Sandy loved celebrations that included opening presents. In a classic Pavlovian response, whenever candles were lit, Sandy would get very antsy -- barking, pacing, etc. -- if we didn't immediately go into the living room to open presents. As you can imagine, this made our shabbat dinners interesting.

When it did finally come time to open presents, Sandy always expected to receive one of her own. Over time, she became quite adept at opening her presents with little to no help. This "talent" lead to her getting in trouble on more than one occasion when she would open presents early.

• Checking out her first pumpkin
• Walking into the kitchen and seeing her standing on a window sill two feet off of the floor (no we never did figure out how she managed to get up there)
• Stalking - out of the dark, whenever someone lowered their head and approached her slowly and even when you bent over getting ready to dive into the pool
• Hiding things behind plants and wanting you to help find them
• Insisting that someone help pull just the right toy out of her toy container

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to some here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and are friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing -- they miss someone very special to them; someone who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then, you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

--Author Unknown


Sandy
July 4, 1992 - February 23, 2005