Family

BC. Before Chris.

Great Danes were not part of my life, BC. Growing up we had black Labradors and German Shepherds. Never a dog the size of a horse. Belle was Chris’ dog when I met him. A beautiful black Great Dane, so gentle and sweet. Well, except around me. Somehow I think Belle knew that I was taking more of Chris’ time away from her. She was an angel when Chris was around, but if it was just me, she would get into things, make messes, and be ornery.

In any case, Belle made me appreciate Great Danes, and she made Chris completely addicted. We will walk down the street and see a Harlequin or Brindle Great Dane, and he will talk like I would if a little baby was walking by…(oohhs and aaawws, and a sad face). We have known about Giant George, who was the tallest dog in the world (until recently). He was on Oprah, has a website, sleeps on a queen size bed, and consumes 110 pounds of food a month. You can read more about Giant George at the above link, and be sure to click on the Photo link on George’s website!

Recently, George was pushed out of first place by Zeus. The newest dog to be the tallest in the world. Zeus beat George by one inch. Zeus is 44 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds, and stands at 7 feet 4 inches tall. Crazy! I was not able to find a website for Zeus, but maybe soon.

Note: F or those on their way to get a Great Dane – both George and Zeus drink directly out of the kitchen faucet.

Belle

We miss you Belle.

My Granny Smith, she was a sassy one. I spent a good part of my life with her, even before my parents were gone. She was my favorite. When I was younger I would often spend Friday night at her house, spending the night and then spend Saturday morning watching cartoons (we did not have TV at home). I would also spend Sunday afternoon after church at her house. I always called her Grandma Smith. It was not until I was married to Chris that I somehow started calling her Granny Smith (and the name has stuck). Even though she is no longer with us, she is still Granny Smith to us, and the mention of her name brings a smile to our faces. So many stories, so many funny sayings she had. Many of which made no sense to me.

Chris had a special way with Granny Smith. He was able to get her to talk, and talk, and talk. He got her to tell stories of growing up, her marriage, and raising her kids. She never wanted to tell me that stuff. I imagine he was a patient, listening ear, and he asked her very specific questions. He immediately won her over. Which I can tell you is not an easy feat. Granny Smith did not instantly like folks, and if you were not her favorite person, she did not warm up to you.

As I said earlier, she was a sassy one. She would tell you what was on her mind, whether you liked it or not. I wonder if that is where I got my bluntness. She also liked the underdog. One of the things she liked to do was watch golf. If Tiger or Vijay were constantly winning from week to week, then she would cheer someone else on. We all need someone to root for us when we are the underdog. Somehow she brought out my silly side. I think it was because she was so serious much of the time. It made me try hard to make her laugh and to make her be silly too.