She was supposed to be an outside dog. Somehow over the last 12 years she became an inside dog who only went outside to use the bathroom. How did that happen? 

Hershey is our chocolate Lab. We picked her out when my Little was only 2. She's 14 now. The first day we brought Hershey home, I kept her in the house. She was too small and cute to put outside, that is until she started wetting the carpet. Not only did I have a puppy peeing on my floor but my potty-training two-year-old. I had a brief conversation with myself and decided one of them should go. 

Hershey during her 24-hour stay inside before making the backyard her home... temporarily.  (Photos Shelley E. Huguley)

Hershey spent the first two years watching our world from the outside looking in. When she wasn't staring at us with those big brown eyes through the living room windows, she was using the backyard as a chew toy. Anything was game, from hoses (plural) to internet wires to shoes (new or used). "You've just got to make it through the first two years," people assured. We weren't sure she would survive the next 24 hours!  

Ironically, a switch flipped at 24 months along with her urge to search and destroy. She was sweet, trustworthy, playful and protective.  

During my engagement to my farmer, he had a nonnegotiable… no dogs in the house. He said he didn't work outside in the dirt all day only to come home, shower and sit in a recliner covered in dog hair. I decided I could live with that. 

About 8 years ago, we had a snowstorm. The kids and I stood on the inside looking out as Hershey stared back blanketed by a layer of large, white snowflakes, contrasting against her chocolate coat. My farmer quickly purchased a doghouse. But in Hershey fashion, she drug the blankets into the yard and shredded them. So, I made my farmer a deal. I said if I train her to stay on the back mat just inside the door, would he be willing? He obliged.  

At first, she was only invited in during extreme weather events. But that slowly progressed to longer stays and eventually a nightly spot on the end of my son's bed!  

In November, we laid our dear Hershey to rest. Our hearts are broken. She died with a full heart and a geriatric body. Hershey was my writing partner. Daily she laid in the middle of the doorway between my office and the front door, not bothered by the fact that I had to step over her to come and go. She snored loudly as I furiously typed. She was loving, gentle and loyal. She adored the kids and respected my farmer. I think she knew she beat the odds with him. Truth is, he adored her.  

I still find myself looking and listening for her. Despite the ache, I'm thankful we got to love her from the inside looking out. We will miss her but are at peace knowing she is at rest.  

This was Hershey's favorite spot during the day while I wrote. She was with me and yet, when she wasn't snoring, could watch out the front door. I sure do miss her!