Sunday, March 31, 2013

B&W Sunday: Family

Mom and her siblings, San Antonio, TX
Mom's family had a tradition of taking family pictures at Easter time of all the children in their holiday finery. No matter where the were, France, Germany, Philippines, or Texas there are photos. Mom's family grew up in the Air Force and lived all over the world so this was a way of sharing their lives with families back home. 
Mom with Topper, Biloxi, MS
Last Sunday, Terrier Torrent Gizmo posted a picture of his mom with her first dog for Black and White Sunday blog hop. This gave mom the idea to share her old photos with the family dogs too. But she wanted to do more, she wants to tell the story of how hard it is for military families to have dogs only to have to leave them behind when they go overseas. This is what happened to mom's first dog Topper. Leaving Topper affected mom greatly the rest of her life. She never wants to hear stories about people giving up their dogs for stupid reasons, her family had no choice back then.

San Antonio, TX 1960s

Mom's family had lived in Texas for a few years so it was time for their Dad to get stationed overseas. He left his family behind while he took his assignment in the Philippines. When it came time for his family to join him they took Topper to their vet and the children were told that a new family would adopt him. They were all very sad but understood they couldn't take him with them. Military bases today still have problems with abandoned dogs roaming the bases but nowadays it is much easier for military families to keep their animals.


In so many of Mom's old pictures there are pictures of the family dog. She loves this one of her dad home from the war with his beloved friend. 

Happy Easter everyone.
Love Dolly the Doxie (mix)
xoxox

17 comments:

  1. That must have been so hard. But clearly your parents had no choice.

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    1. It was a long time ago, its easier now for military families. Love Dolly

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  2. A wonderful selection of family photos. I am so sorry for your mom and her family in having to leave Topper behind. It makes me sad that this wasn't considered an option back then. I have a friend who's husband was stationed here and when they came here and when they moved on to Maryland, they were able to take their 150 lb dog, Balto, with them. I would have been heartbroken of that were not the case. That dog and her daughter are her life.

    Thank you for sharing your mom's story and for sharing such wonderful family photos. (They had such adorable dresses for girls back then didn't they?)

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    1. It is much easier for military families today to keep their pets, even when they go overseas. Grandma loved to dress up her girls! Love Dolly

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  3. Lovely family pictures Dolly! I love those old photos too. Happy Easter!

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  4. I am sorry you had to give Topper up. It frustrates me also when people give up there pets for silly reasons but sometimes there really is no other choice. Kids usually bond closely with family pets so I can imagine how traumatic is was to leave him behind.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words and understanding. Love Dolly

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  5. That is so cool we love these old family pictures. So many memories.
    Wishing you all a very Happy Easter. We hope you have a wonderful Easter Sunday and the bunny stopped by and left you lots of treats. Enjoy the day.
    Best wishes Molly

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  6. What great family pictures!
    That is so sad, and something I had never considered before about military families with pets. That must be so difficult!

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    1. Yes, but it is easier now, this was a long time ago. Mom didn't get another dog until her dad retired and they settled down.

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  7. Happy Easter Dolly!

    Thanks for sharing that story with us. We just couldn't imagine our family leaving us behind but sometimes they gotta do what they gotta do.

    Love all the old pictures :)

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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    1. Yes, unfortunately, and hopefully another military family doesn't have to make that decision. Love Dolly

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  8. Woof! Woof! Precious PHOTOS and STORIES. Golden Thanks for sharing. Happy Black n White SUNDAY. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  9. I love when family photos include family pets, as it should be, and I am very happy to hear that it's easier for military families and their four-legged family members to stay together now! Happy Easter!

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  10. I just love seeing old family photos, that was so sad about Topper and I can imagine how badly your heart was broken.
    I am glad though that it is becoming a little easier for the military now.
    Barks and licks and love, Dakota
    www.dakotasden.wordpress.com

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