Bananas, Ice Cream, and Goody…Remembering Sophie
July 28, 2006, was the day our family adopted Sophie Slager, or put another way, the day she became the little princess of our household.
Part Cocker Spaniel and part mystery dog, she was a little bit of a thing that had been unadopted by another family the day before.
We were told that she was about a year old. Since she chewed a few too many of my shoes, I’m guessing that she was a bit younger.
Like us humankind, she had a few favorite foods that could easily have been consumed in excess, resulting in weight gain, or at least some type of digestive distress. 
Bananas
High in potassium and fiber, no one could eat a banana in the house without her being fully aware.
If she was sleeping in another room, she would wake up and sniff her way to the kitchen and scam the end piece from whoever was eating it.
Even the frozen chunks that I added to my smoothie would get her attention, no matter how quickly I tried to blend them in.
There have been times in recent days that in order not to disturb the sleeping Sophie, we’d forgo peeling open a banana.
The nose always knew.
Ice Cream
We often traveled with Sophie and in each location, we’d make our way to the local ice cream parlor.
I’d go in and decide on my flavor selection while Mr. Non-Compliant looked after her. I’d come out and take over the position. He’d go in and place the order. She knew the routine well.
Sophie would not take her eyes off us as we enjoyed every creamy, delicious bite. We are “ice cream in the cup” people, and she wanted to make sure that she got any leftovers.
She’d lick the cups so clean that they looked unused. I was often accused of not leaving her enough. She and I were cut from the same ice cream loving mold.
We all like our special treats. Moderation in all things.
Goody
Her normal food was a protein-rich blend of kibble with freeze dried raw mixed in. Of course, it was grain free and contained organic fruits and vegetables. She always picked out the goody first, (the freeze dried raw) then decided if she was going to finish the remaining kibble.
Just like a kid, eating the favorites, then moving the rest of it around in a mess until it finally gets eaten under duress, or put away for another meal.
I think she liked the goody best because it was soft, chewy, and maybe had a better flavor than the other kibble. I don’t care to try it, although it probably fits in with my food criteria.
She’d always cock her head up in a very distinct way as she chewed the goody and look around to see who was watching her eat. She made us laugh. 
Dogs, like people, have distinct personalities and are often characters. They make life interesting and have a way of stealing our hearts.
Sophie certainly stole ours. We miss our little banana, ice cream, goody loving girl.
Sophie Slager
Circa December 2005 – June 20, 2022
Much love,
Health Coach Carol
“Dogs leave pawprints on our hearts” – Author Unknown