“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.” – Author Unknown

You came into my life 60 days ago and now I can’t imagine life without you. You have made me laugh and cry. You have comforted me and strengthened my sense of purpose. You have brought joy to each of my days and a sense of peace each evening.

Tomorrow, August 17, I’m honored to share your 4th birthday with you! I know we will have many more together (If you don’t decided to bolt out the door and run like you did today while Grandma and Pappy babysat you!)

It makes me sad to think the first 3 years of your life may not have been pleasant. You are making progress each day. You once were fearful of the back door and now you know exactly what the word “outside” means. I love to watch you when I say it is “time to go night-night.” You are continually improving when it come to meeting new people. You are still a little scared at first, but you calm down much quicker. I continue to hold high expectations for you [us] – and each day I know you [we] are closer to your [our] certification as a therapy dog. (even though I know we both have a long ways to go) Just think how fun it will be to go to the library and have kids read to you or go brighten someone’s day at the hospital or nursing home!

I have loved watching you during your dog training class each Monday. I know I am to be there right by your side, but it has been impossible with my broken ankle. You have made a new friend and he is helping you so much! I’m pleased with your progress. When this cast comes off – watch out. You will have to help me at doggie school. There are so many other dog, many bark and do silly things and you remain so calm! I will need to learn from you! Soon we will also start visiting so many places in order to train you in different locations. I know you will especially love going to the pet stores and the doggie park.

I feel bad that I don’t have gifts awaiting when you awake in the morning. Since I haven’t been able to drive – I haven’t gotten to any store. Yet, you really don’t play with toys – so I don’t even know what to get you.

Your gift awaiting you tomorrow, each day of the year, and for years to come is MY LOVE.

Thank you, Boji! You complete me! You have made me a better person, educator and doggie parent. I learn from you everyday and  LOVE YOU SO MUCH! 

These quotes have helped me reflect on our time together: 

“I am I because my little dog knows me.” – Gertrude Stein

“Until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” -Anatole France

“A really companionable and indispensable dog is an accident of nature. You can’t get it by breeding for it, and you can’t buy it with money. It just happens along.” – E B White, The Care and Training of a Dog

They [dogs] never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation.” 
– Jerome K. Jerome (A technique we all need to have!)

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.” – Gilda Radner

“Nobody can fully understand the meaning of love unless he’s owned a dog. A dog can show you more honest affection with a flick of his tail than a man can gather through a lifetime of handshakes.” – Gene Hill – The Dog Man

“We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all.  It’s the best deal man has ever made.” – M.Facklam