It was our usual early morning Saturday walk with Stig. Joe and I take the 1 mile walk to downtown on the weekends for coffee, bringing Stig with us. Last week we rescued a baby bird, I wonder what today has in store.

Little to our surprise it was a busy day for Downtown Northville. The Solstice Race 5k was just ending. The streets were closed and many runners and walkers of all ages packed the streets. When we got to the Downtown area we realized that it was also the Northville Art fair! Bonus. Joe and I looked at each other, thinking the same thoughts, this is perfect! Any opportunity to socialize Stig in a new environment gets me excited.

The streets were full, vendors setting up their booths, other dogs , little kid carrying good smelling things just the right level for Stig. He flourishes in this type of environment. I actually think he does better in chaos than when it’s just him and I on a lonely road.

I spotted a booth with some Ty-died clothes and instantly made a quick pit-stop. While I was mesmerized by the styles I overheard a conversation that snapped me right out of my trance….

“Mommy, what a cute dog, can I pet it?” asked this precious little girl as she was pointing right at Stig.

The mother peaked around the corner to look at what her daughter was pointing at.

“No honey, you can’t pet it, it is a Service Dog” She explained.

I immediately spoke up “Please, by all means, pet the dog. He is in training and we encourage it” I said looking from mother to daughter. The child’s eyes sparkled at my reply, and she looked at her mom in question.

Off she ran directly to Big Stig. I am not sure who actually enjoyed their time together more, Stig or the little girl.

“What is your name?” my husband, Joe asked.

“Abby” she said, not once taking her hands off of Stig. She has a dog of her own, a chocolate lab at home. She loves dogs and wished she could sleep with him on her bed, but her dad wont let him. She is precious, and this moment needed to be captured. (Yes, I had my camera this time!)

After snapping the picture, I went right to the mother and handed her our business card and explained that I took a picture of Abby and would love to share it on my blog with her permission.

So here they are, Stig and this dog loving precious girl named, Abby.