Happy Birthday to Georgie!

Today is my dog's second birthday. Now to most people that isn't a big deal, but for us it's a HUGE deal for two reasons:

1. we don't have kids, so that means that we are those crazy people that are overly into our pets

2. she is an Airedale terrier, so it's been a long two years!

For those of you that have had a puppy, you realize just how trying those first two years can be. If you've never had the "joy" of a new puppy, here's how it goes: You bring home your sweet little ball of fluff and for the first few days you're taking it for walks, brushing, washing and taking out to go potty - loving it at every turn. Then you come home to find your favorite book (shoes, sofa, rug, wall, etc.) chewed to bits - that sweet little pup is now an evil spawn and you're wondering what you were thinking. You sign up for obedience, only to find that your puppy has selective hearing (much like your husband) and only chooses to sit, stay and come only when she feels like it. On this goes, the destruction and mayhem and you're just about to kill the dog, when that magical day comes - the puppy turns two and all of a sudden you have a normal dog, just the way you always expected it to be.

So that's how it goes if you DON'T have a terrier. By definition, terriers (any breed) are "feisty and energetic dogs, typically have little tolerance for other animals, are always eager for a spirited argument, and in general, they make engaging pets, but require owners with the determination to match their dogs' lively characters." So what that means is that it's been a LONG two years, and there are more to go. I say more, because many Airedales don't mature till they are 3 to 4 years old!

So now we're on the downhill side of puppy-hood and looking forward to many years of normal adult dog (here's the part when you knock on wood!).

Here's a poem that I thought was so cute - until I actually got a puppy!

The Life of a Puppy

This morning, I woke up & kissed my dad's head.
I peed on the carpet, then went back to bed.
"The life of a puppy, oh my, this is great."
Then I thought about breakfast, "I hope it's not late."

Mom took me outside, we walked for a while.
This never fails to make Mama smile.
I sniffed of everything, that we did pass,
I ate something weird - it gave me gas.

I'm sure God loves me, I know that is true.
He gave me so many great things to chew.
Rugs, plants or rocks, I really don't care.
What I truly like best, is Dad's underwear.

That obedience book, was sort of yummy.
Though it didn't sit well on my poor puppy tummy.
I threw up a bit, but that was all right,
When Mom found it later, I was well out of sight.

I made streamers of T. P., while running at full speed.
Mom is pretty quick -- but I was still in the lead.
I flew under the bed, and Mom flew past,
She stopped-shook her head, and breathed,
"You're too fast."

Mama later phoned Daddy, and said, "It was frightening!"
That afternoon, she was sure I'd pooped lightning.
She'd sat at the computer, while I chewed the cord,
She thought I was mad, but I was just bored.

When Mama had enough, couldn't take anymore,
That's when my tushy got shoved out the door.
I love it inside, but outside is best.
Lay in the cool grass, and had a good rest.

That didn't last long, there was too much to do--
Can't quite remember where I hid Daddy's shoe.
I found an old bone, and scratched at a flea,
I watched the dumb squirrels as they jumped in a tree.

I barked at the kids, when they got off the bus.
I can't figure out why this makes Mama fuss.
I barked at the neighbor, I barked at the wind.
I barked and barked, till Mom yelled, "COME IN."

The sun dipped in the west-soon Daddy would come!
I sure love my daddy: we always have fun.
I barked at my daddy, then turned on my charms,
I woo-wooed, "Hello," then jumped in his arms.

Sitting under the table -- it's sooo hard to wait.
Daddy slipped me a goodie right off his plate.
I raced through the house, and scattered my toys,
Ricocheted off the furniture, and made lots of noise.

Mom found her purse - the one I abused.
Daddy let loose a chuckle. Mom asked "Amused??"
I cowered down low, I must be in trouble.
Dad said, "Wasn't MY boy, it must be his double!"

Mom turned off the TV, and said,"Time for bed."
Dad said "Let's go boy," and patted my head.
I got in my spot, between Mom and Dad,
I thought 'bout my day and what fun I had.

Mama kicked out my bone from the covers below,
Then let loose a sigh -- a sigh deep and low.
She gave me a kiss, and snuggled me tight,
And whispered so softly, "My darling goodnight".

--Unknown

Current Music: Ohio (Come back to Texas) - Bowling for Soup