1.20.06: the four-leggeds turn four

Our poor neglected puppies are now four years old. Dodger's birthday is today; Smudge's birthday was on 12/31. They used to be our only "kids", "the boys", ... and now they are merely "the dogs." We really try to give them lots of attention, but the reality is that there are only so many hours in the day. Walks and games of fetch and frisbee are fewer and further between than they used to be, and we're taking an extended break from obedience and agility classes. Dodger and Smudge have been pretty good sports considering everything. They have also been very accepting of and loving to the new boys on the block, ... Mason and Avery.

After buying Dodger and Smudge Halloween costumes yet not finding time to dress them up, and then failing to set up our traditional holiday photo of them, we really feel it's time to give them a little extra attention. They deserve it. My Best Friends Barkery in Old Town Sacramento baked them a doggie carrot cake. After dinner, we sang to them and gave them a nice big slice of the yummy treat. A very tired Avery tried his best to hold out long enough for the celebration and barely made it. Mason did everything in his power to try to get a piece of cake for himself. In fact, we had to take him out of the bouncy chair and set him in something sturdier because he just about tipped himself over. He'll just have to wait two more weeks for his own birthday cake!

The fact that we had the time and energy to celebrate the boys', ... er, the dogs' birthday, is a sign that life is getting a little more manageable. Our hope is that we will soon get back to most of our doggie activities. And once Mason and Avery grow a little more, Dodger and Smudge may receive more attention than they ever bargained for.

Happy Birthday boys! (yes, it's too hard to call them dogs.)