Six In The City

Dear Cubby,

Happy Birthday!  You've provided another year of great joy and love in our lives, and I hope we've accomplished the same for you.

You visited a couple of new zoos and made some new friends this past year but, surprisingly, you only picked up four new flights and only one new state.  It seems like the older I get, the more of a homebody I become, and I think you're totally okay with that.

As a service dog, you perfected a new task ... assisting me up and down hills and slopes.  You're really great at that!  And with my three injury falls I've had in the last ten months, you've been right in my face ready to help get me up.  I don't even want to think about what could've happened if you hadn't been there.  I depend on you so much and you've never failed to be there when I need you.

Now, as a regular pet dog, you're a red-haired Scotsman (dog) and we shouldn't be surprised that you can be full of mischief and stubborn as all get-out.  You have a fixed routine and a built-in alarm clock, and you know exactly when it's time to go outside and play ball, and exactly when it's time to "feed the hungry buzzard."  And when that routine is changed the least little bit, you put those puppy-dog eyes of yours to work and, most of the time, you get your own way.

So what shall we look forward to in the year ahead?  Visiting Auntie Ginny in Montana, the annual family reunion trip back East, some Happy Tails presentations and events, and maybe adding a new state here and there.  But mostly I just want you to be a happy, healthy Cubby, and know that you're treasured and loved.

Happy Birthday, Big Guy!  And may you have at least ten more if the Lord wills it.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your gift of this beautiful animal and for every minute I get to have him in my life.  May he stay strong and hearty in this year ahead.  And help me make him happy.  Amen.

Photo Descriptions:  A colorful number 6 balloon graphic; Cubby under his birthday sign; Cubby takes a break at the San Diego Zoo; Cubby's new wooly ball he got for his birthday; Cubby's six-year portrait.