Savannah Banana

Today for some reason I was going through my old scrapbooks, and found some darling pictures of my doggy, Savannah. I know some of you (i.e. everyone in Bryce's family. love you!) think that a pet is a pet and nothing more, but I love my dog and honestly consider her part of the family. Throughout my junior high and high school years, Savannah was a constant, loyal companion. So I thought I would make a post all about Savannah and how she came into our family.

In sixth grade, I became great friends with a girl named Lauren Chaffee. We were such buds! Her family was in the Airforce and were not LDS, but I remember her being one of the most religious people I knew. I looked up to her very much. She was someone I could always talk to about anything. She even came with me to young womens once (we had an ice skating activity. and I fell and got a concussion. that ended her young womens experience.).

In seventh grade, we joined band together and both played the clarinet. Lauren was way good- she was first chair and I was second. All year long we were the best of friends, and then I found out that her family was moving to Maryland. At the time, Lauren's golden retriever, Bailey, was going to have puppies. Lauren wanted to give me a puppy as a present, so I would have something to remember her by when she moved.

After lots of begging, my sisters and I convinced my parents to let us get the dog! Surprisingly, we really had to twist my dad's arm. But we were so excited! The only condition: I had to take all responsibility. So I wrote a contract and signed it! I have it in my scrapbook. It states:

"I, Jamie Anne Madson, make a solemn pledge to take care of my dear, new dog, Savannah. I will take the time daily, and take the responsibility to clean, feed, and get rid of all the messes. If I break this oath, I will be punished."

That was it! My parents trusted me and we got Savannah! Megan came up with the name. I was really good for about a week and held true to my contract. After that, I wasn't so good anymore. I think my parents still love me though.

My friend Lauren and I, with our dogs- Bailey and Savannah

Me and Savannah!

We decided to put Savannah in obedience school when she was a puppy because she was really hyper and liked to chew on and bite everything. My parents and I obediently took her to her classes (I never missed once!), but I think she was the worst one there! However, she did graduate. See this picture:

Priceless!

Well, it's been 8 1/2 years, and Savannah is very much a part of the family. She has turned into the sweetest, most loving dog that we could have ever hoped for. She has been a ton of fun throughout the years.

My mom took Savannah to the vet last week and received some sad news. Savannah has torn ligaments in her knees and very bad arthritis. We had no idea! The vet said that it was part of Savannah's breed (part golden retriever, part lab) not to show any pain, so she has just been bearing through it. With some medicine and love, hopefully Savannah won't hurt so bad.

Now Savannah is content just lying down most of the day and going on short walks, but she can't play fetch anymore like she used to, and long walks are just too wearing on her. The vet also said that it will get to the point where she won't be able to stand up and walk around. When it gets to that point, we might have to just put her to sleep. :(

Hopefully that won't be for quite some time. We all love our Savannah (aka banana)! I really appreciate my parents taking such great care of her! And here are some recent pictures that Erin took of her that I stole off her blog!