Mary Queen of Scots and her Dog

Is Your Dog Your Valentine?

Four Hundred and Eight Four years ago this week Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle.  Her death warrant was issued by Elizabeth I due to Mary’s involvement in a plot to overthrow Elizabeth.  Reportedly Elizabeth was very sad about having to issue the order to have her cousin executed, but in the face of serious evidence Elizabeth was not left with much of a choice.  The subject of Elizabeth’s decisions and Mary’s actions is not what this post is about, however.  Instead this post is about the love of a dog and the unconditional love that dogs give us humans. Let’s learn about Mary Queen of Scots and her dog.

Right after Mary’s head was severed her skirts began to move.  I am sure those in the room were immediately filled with terror, can you imagine how freaky that would be.  The source of the movement was quickly identified when Mary’s little dog (some sources say it was a Sky Terrier) came running out from under her skirts and proceeded to lay down in-between her body and severed head.  The dog was trembling and covered in her blood.  The little dog would not budge from it’s spot and had to be picked up and carried away to be washed and fed.

I heard this story in 11th grade from my beloved history teacher.  The story immediately humanized Mary for me.  I could imagine that she must have been overwhelmed by fear and anxiety; so she brought her dog with her.  Her dog, her companion, her comforter, a giver of unconditional love.  The soft, warm body of her sweet puppy probably calmed her and may have given her the strength she needed.

Bond Between Dog and Mistress

This bond between dog and mistress is what prompted me to write this post.  I wanted to discuss this bond of unconditional love and share a little bit about my dog.  His name his Rhett and he’s a sweet black lab.  He’s always close by and there to give me a bit of love and comfort; especially when he can tell I need it.  He is very intuitive and seems to be extra close by when he senses I might need him more.  He loves long walks, sitting in the sun when the temp is around 75, and getting his back scratched.  He loves my little boys and is eternally patient with them and all of their silly shenanigans.

This picture was taken last summer on a sunny day.  It was supposed to be of just me and a pretty dress from Sezane, but Rhett couldn’t stand not coming over to me and trying to snuggle.  So I guess that makes him a photo bomber!  If you have a dog I am sure you can relate to this.  I can honestly say that Rhett is one of my Valentine’s.  He loves me and I love him.  I am so glad that I’m not just a human mom, but a dog mom as well.  I’m sure if Mary Queen of Scots were here I think she’d agree; and I hope you do too.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

On a fashion note.  The dress I have on is from Sezane.  I love their clothes and wanted to share a small look book of some of my current faves of theirs. This are all spring transition pieces.  Check them out below!