I don't know whether heart dogs are born that way, but I do think they enter our lives that way (love at first sight?), and when we have to do battle together, it simply strengthens the bond.  Ann and I have had six dogs, and now we are down to two, and having lost Casey so recently, my perception may be skewed, but he was our rock.  He was the alpha dog, but in a very low-key way, and he was absolutely Ann's heart dog from day one.  His battle with cancer did not strengthen that bond (it couldn't), but it definitely strengthened our bond, and really, the whole family's bond.

I may have posted earlier that when Casey chose us, his breeder had two or three litters, and there were wonderful golden retriever puppies everywhere.  Casey was the oldest at 17 weeks, and he entered the fray late in the game, but once he came running in dragging that blanket, it was all over for those other pups.  We've always been so grateful that he waited for us, because we're sure he could've chosen many other families. 

While walking Baxter in the dark tonight I was thinking about the heart dog question some more. And I found, not just one but two, pennies in separate locations.  The first time in months, maybe even a year, that a penny has shown up. 

I guess that’s Rocky putting in his two cents, literally. 

Shoot, my eyes are tearing up. Dang...❤️

Yes, lol... That deserved a LOVE button!!!😊😊😊

Rocky just confirming he's my heart dog. They were each in the middle of the sidewalk and underneath a street light so I could see them. I've put them in the box with the rest of the pennies he's left. 

On the walk, I think I decided that heart dogs are probably rather than born that way. Maybe because every dog is born with the potential to be a heart dog but they need something else to really grow into that role. It had already happened with Rocky before the cancer diagnosis, amputation and everything that went into his care. That just solidified it in stone. 

Not trying to be a downer, but Baxter will likely never be a heart dog. Rocky already has that title for me, and I don't plan on ever giving Baxter up. But if Rocky had never come into my life, who knows, maybe Baxter could have been my heart dog? 

We call that a “postcard” from Rocky saying hi and telling you he’s ok and reminding you that he is always with you. Postcards usually turn up when you need them the most.

My best postcard was 6 months after I lost my 2 yr old Brady to IMHA, I found my old Nikon SLR camera tucked away which I very seldom used anymore in the age of digital cameras and cell phones. When I looked to make sure I had taken the batteries out, I saw film in there that was half used. Snapped the rest of those remaining pictures immediately and ran to Walmart one hour photo. Sure enough they were all Brady pictures, some as a puppy. Best postcard any of my dogs ever left me.