When Mary Kate's piano teacher found out I named my dog after my Grandma Winnie she was horrified. "I can't believe you named your dog after your sweet, darling Grandmother! Who does that?" Obviously Beverly doesn't understand how much I love my dog! I think it's a straight up compliment to Grandma. Who wouldn't want the cutest and most adorable dog on the planet named after them? I think Grandma would be flattered! Besides, Grandma always threatened that she would turn over in her grave if we named one of our children after her (she was never very fond of her name), but she never said anything about dogs.
Now don't freak out readers, I most certainly don't esteem my dog at the same level as my Grandma, but I must venture to say that Grandma Winnie and Winnie Dog (as Jeffrey calls her) have some similarities....
1- They're happy when I come home:
I lived with Grandma all through college. Whether she hadn't seen me for a weekend or just a few hours, she was always happy to see me and always extend an enthusiastic welcome. "Well here's my Jilly!" she would say with a huge grin on her face. Winnie Dog is the same way, she can't say "Jilly" but she practically crawls out of her fur with happiness when I come home.
2- They both sense when I'm down and give me extra love when I am:
Grandma was a cheering influence for me when I was down. She was comforting to be around too. After a terrible day I loved "hanging out" with Grandma. Winnie Dog seems to sense when I'm not quite right. She just knows, and gives me extra affection when I need it. I like "hanging out" with her too.
3- They're both loyal and love me unconditionally:
Grandma always managed to make me feel like she would love me no matter what. That was the best thing about Grandma. Unconditional love was what she offered to everyone. Isn't that what's so great about dogs, their unconditional love?
4- They both love treats:
Grandma always loved a treat. She appreciated a good home baked item and especially liked lemon desserts. If I really wanted to make Grandma happy I would come home from school and bake something yummy. If I want to make Winnie Dog's tail wag, I offer her a treat, only she prefers beggin' strips over lemon bars.
5- They both make me happy:
Grandma always made me happy, all my life. Being with her, seeing her, was always fabulous! And I have to say folks, my dog makes me happy too. I'm shamelessly in love with her.
Now, Grandma never fetched balls and thankfully she didn't bark annoyingly when someone rang the door bell. Winnie Dog doesn't watch Jeopardy with me, nor does she do the daily crossword in the paper with me like Grandma used too, but I'm glad I named my dog Winnie. Everyday when I call her name I get to think about my sweet Grandma who isn't with us anymore and it makes me happy, really happy.
12 comments:
Oh for cuteness. I have to admit, I thought it was just plain hilarious that you named your dog Winnie, but you've totally helped me to see the sweet side of your decision today. I especially love that you get to think about your grandma every time you call your dog.
I think Winnie would love your little Winnie & the fact that she was her namesake.
You're so easy to love, Jill! And I'm not even named Winnie.
I think it's a wonderful tribute to your grandmother because I know how much you love your dog. I don't know if I have ever met anyone that loves their dog quite as much as you do. We named both of our shetland ponies after both of my grandmas, Nellie & Dolly.
i love dogs like crazy (especially yours) and i loved grandma like crazy. love it. love it.
I think she just got a kick out of that post! She has a special spot in my heart too. :)your grandma, not the dog
I thought you named her after Winnie the pooh! Oh well the name fits her!
Love this post Jill, I need to do one to honor my grandma, even though I didn't name my pooch after her (smiles)!
Oh we understand about beloved pets in this family. Remember when you lost Tasha and then you miraculously found her? It's a good thing because I'm not sure you would have been welcomed back to the family if you hadn't. ;) Don't worry. I won't let Zack read this post. I love you and Winnie and think your grandma would think it's great.
Okay, I don't have a grand affinity for anything furry and non-human....but I LOOO-VVV-EEEE Grandma Winnie! Truly, when I clicked on your comment and pulled up your blog to check it all out....what a wonderful surprise! To see that gorgeous photo of one of my favorite people in the whole world!
Jill, I miss her most at Christmas time. I visit my mom's house and am expecting to have a slice of my favorite braided Winnie bread. It was a Christmas tradition!
When I went there a couple weeks ago, and saw the house empty...I shed a tiny tear. Vere and Winnie have been there longer than we have. It's just not right that there's a for sale sign on the lawn!!
Winnie's funeral was one of the most touching I've ever been to. And I didn't get to go to Vere's but my mom said it was the same!! You are one lucky girl to be the Granddaughter of such amazing people! I love them!
In fact I love your whole extended family. Rob and Mary...man I have some great stories about them, and Scott. And I love your Thatcher cousins. I pretty much would like to be a Johnson....if I had to choose a different family than my own.
Anyway, sorry to ramble. I was just so pleased to see a photo of Winnie. I miss her! I was just sorting through a bunch of old stuff in storage and found a couple notes from her. I held on to those...for sure!! Thanks Jill.
your sick.....
I loved how Grandma made everyone feel so special. She was always so interested in our lives and always kept up so well on what everyone was doing. I loved to just listen to her talk.
Cutest dog ever (next to mine). What a cute post. I love grandma!
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