Daisy (Artesian Norman Basset Hound)

She and I competed in Obedience Trials and also did pet therapy at nursing homes and a group home for handicapped adults.

When I remember my Daisy I have several fond memories that even till this day make me smile.

Daisy was a comedian and loved to make people laugh. She loved working a crowd which is something I never taught her.

One sunny November day in South Florida, a friend of mine and I took my 4 dogs to have their pictures taken with Santa Claus. There was a waiting line and trying to control 4 overly happy dogs was more overwhelming than I thought possible and what Christmas cheer I had was melting away faster than whipped cream on a cup of hot cocoa.

My friend and I finally made it to the front of the line and as we were trying to get the dogs up to where Santa was sitting, I hear all this laughing and clapping behind me. I look down and immediately saw that Daisy had slipped out of her collar and talk about looking foolish with a leash attached to a collar and no dog.

I quickly looked towards the crowd and saw my little bundle of joy going through a whole routine of tricks that I had no idea she even knew then she went from person to person, rolled over on her back to get her stomach scratched. I stood there in total astonishment as I watched her get her belly rubbed, get up and go to the next person, roll over on her back and get another belly rub. She did this to everyone who clapped and everyone kept clapping.

I rushed over to retrieve my little actress before anyone nominated her for an Oscar and finally got the picture with Santa Claus with my 4 furry children. Daisy is sitting in Santa's lap, her siblings were, left to right, Brandi, Yogi, and Spike.