a birthday reflection list

Me and Max sitting on our front step this morning watching the golfers get started

Allrigthy then, I like to reflect on birthdays. Look back at the year's milestones and perhaps mishaps too. I mentioned this yesterday, but tomorrow, July 29 is my doggie's 10th birthday and if all goes well, our new baby too! (That is if he decides to come out in a reasonable amount of time... a big if). So this morning, I was taking Max out like I do every single day and I was all weepy thinking back to when he was my first baby. There could not have been a more loved puppy, I swear. And cute. Forgettaboutit, my vet (who I have a not-so-secret-crush on) agrees and told me at Max's last check up, "Maximillian was 'de cutest pup, he was so tiny." (My vet is a hunky Mexican, complete with dark skin and accent, holy cow, the guy is smokin"! Maybe I can do a post about him some other time...)

It's true, when we went to pick out a puppy, the lady who bred them opened up the garage door and all these tiny pugs came running out, Pugs are the most adorable puppies on earth, and we were trying to pick one. Well, here came the runt (teeny Max- he only weighed two pounds!) and he proceeded to climb in my lap and fall asleep. That's all it took. Big Tall Hubby knew I was done for. So on Sept. 12, 2001 (yep, one day after 9/11) we brought him home. It was love at first sight. You know I have a love/hate relationship with him (well really the messes he makes) but mostly I just love him to pieces.

Ten years sure came fast.. I wish so much I had a scanner so I could show you his puppy pics, oh, so cute. Anyway. I was thinking he has taught me a lot of lessons over the years and I thought I'd share with you what I have learned from my first dog ever.

*Get excited when someone else makes you a meal*

*Having someone else do your toes (i.e. a pedicure) is a good thing*

*Be persistent, loyal, and lovable, all the time*

*Enthusiastically greet guests at the door upon their arrival*

*Always say "hello" to your neighbors, even if they are grumpy old people*

*Just listening intently is sometimes the best way to help your friend*

*Birthdays are a day of indulgence*

*Big brown eyes can get you most any treat you want*

*Always sit by your buddy, real close*

And so a birthday reflection list created by my dog. Whodathunkit?

Tomorrow is the day, I am headed to the hospital and I promise to post as soon as I can. Thanks for all the kind words lately. You have no idea how much that can brighten a day.