My family's first pet was a beautiful, golden collie-German shepherd mix we named Sandy when I was around seven years old. I don't think I'm too nostalgic, but thinking of that wonderful dog still brings tears to my eyes. He very quickly became not just "our" pet but the pet of every kid with whom we played in the neighborhood. He was loving and very protective. One of the neighbor mothers told mine that she felt her son was safe from anything with Sandy around. AOne day, aer several years - I can't tell you how many now - out of the blue, he attacked the postman he saw almost every day since he joined our family. The postmas was not seriously hurt, mostly frightened, but the next day Sandy was euthanized.
I have to leave now and have a good cry.
