RIP Jackie.

Two days after Jackie was born as part of the very first litter of RaineDance Australian Shepherds, my daughter Corin Claire Simons saw the photos, and pointed to one tiny black tri-colored puppy that looked more like a wet guinea pig than a dog.  "Black girl number two, Mom. That's our dog."  I tried to explain to my little girl that we couldn't choose a dog... yet, and we would need some guidance from our breeder Raine, who would match us with a great family dog.

Claire was undeterred. As the puppies grew, we received more photos. Every time Claire would say quietly, but confidently "Black girl number two, Mom." There were six black tri-colored puppies, and it took me weeks to even tell them apart. But my daughter was sure.

Finally, we went to visit the puppies when they were about four weeks old. I had warned Raine about the situation, and assured her I understood that she would help us choose the best dog based on temperament.

When we arrived, Raine opened a gate and released the puppies into the backyard. Seven fluffy balls of fur tumbled over each other, and bounded off in all directions. Except for one puppy, who stopped, turned, and plowed through the grass to Claire. She put her head on her foot and went to sleep.

I looked at Raine. "Black girl number two?"