My Little Six-Month-Old

Dear Cubby,
So now you're six months old.  You're still so much a puppy but, day by day, I can see you growing up.

Since you first came home I've been collecting a gallon-size zipper bag full of contraband that we've taken out of your mouth.  It's a good thing we only decided to do it for six months because there's no more room in the bloomin' bag!

We're pretty hard-pressed to find any toys that you don't destroy within a few minutes.  What I'd defy you to put a dent in, you speedily chew up to the point we have to take it away from you.  You're certainly the most energetic power chewer I've ever met in my life ... with everything except your food ... you swallow that whole.

Your six weeks of puppy kindergarten was such fun!  You were pretty much already rooted in your basic commands but it was good to have the socialization and structure.  Now we're in the midst of intermediate obedience and things are getting a little harder for you.  Let me tell ya, baby dog, you've just barely gotten started!

I began to worry about your size, how tall you'd grow, and whether you'd be as tall as I'd need for my service dog.  You were the largest pup in your litter, and now you're almost ten pounds smaller than your sister!  What'll happen if you don't top out at the size I need?  What if you're not tall, stout, and heavy-framed?  What if ...

Yes, I began to worry about that, but I don't anymore.  As small as you stay or as big as you get, I just know you're going to be exactly what I need.  From the way everything played out five months ago, it was entirely evident that God picked you and brought us together. Knowing that, how could we not be a perfect match?  So why worry?

So now let's get started on the second half of your first year and see what new adventures lie in store.  I love you so much, Cubbs!