Unlike Katie, Emma, and Junior, I was not there for his birth. I did not cut his umbilical cord, bring his mother ice chips, or hold her paw while she labored.
And unlike my other children, I did not even meet Bear until he was a few months old.
(Longtime readers know that Bear was part of a pair, and that we lost dear Gumbo after too short a time together. That's all I can say about that right now... we go on.)
At one year old, Bear has charmed the socks off of all of us ... and they can usually be found in his lair under my bed.
He is strong ... my God he is strong.
Headstrong too.
He has become such an integral part of the family, it's hard to believe he wasn't part of us even 9 months ago.
Isn't that true for all new babies? After a little while you can't remember life without them.
He is very bad sometimes ... very Marleyesque ... at these times, we refer to him as "Bearly".
His chicken habit,speed, and hardheadedness have caused me to say words I almost never use anymore.
But, I am getting lots of aerobic exercise and that is a good thing.
Tonight, we will celebrate him with some doggy gifts and much affection.
Max and Queequeg send their best birthday wishes to Bear.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine that he wants that bag all that much, but he sure wants to make sure you don't get to have it.
One of my Black Lab granddogs just celebrated his 15th birthday, complete with quiet party, of course - I hope Bear has as long and happy a life. marge
ReplyDeleteMighty Dog says have a great day Bear. You are still technically a puppy. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI remember when he came home with you. That was a lucky day for you both.
As for the bag, that is Bear's bag, get your own.
Bear is so totally awesome! Happy birthday to him!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Bear.
ReplyDeleteSo...whatja get??? Huh??? Huh???
Patti
Word Verification:worn-sis-e
that clip is a riot! bear has done pretty well with training you.
ReplyDeletebuddy and cora send kindest regards, and hope bear gets better treats than a stupid bag! the cats admire bear's sleekness and speed, so long as it is not happening in their personal space.
Birthday wishes from a quarter dozen border collies!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Bear!! What a dog :)
ReplyDeleteWow - has it been that long? I started reading you just before you got the puppies. They got me hooked, and I just kept coming back.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Bear! Sit. Down. Stay. Play!
Happy Birthday Bear!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Bear! Hope the humans get you lots of yummy, good stuff.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Bear! If I were there I'd give you a huge hug and a dog treat! :)
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine that today is bittersweet. Give that dog a BIG hug from his friends in central fl!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Bearthday! Lucy and Sky send their love and congratulations. Another year older, another year wiser, they say.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your goofy boy.
ReplyDeleteHe and Miz S must be the same sign. And why do I think that every day the Bear is showered with doggy gifts and lavish affection? For Bear, every day is a party. Good dog, Bear.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Bear! :) Our families would not be the same without all the various four legged members.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Bear! Woof! Woof!
ReplyDeleteHow nice of you to buy him a sack to play with! ;-)
ReplyDeleteSo that's a doggie bag, huh?
ReplyDeleteLightnin
Happy Birthday, Bear. I've got a smile for you (and the words you make your daddy almost say) and a tear, too, for your brother.
ReplyDeleteI've often thought of Marley when watching Bear and the chickens. Happy Birthday big guy, and many more.
ReplyDeletelike swamp4me, also thinking of gumbo, with a tear or 2.
ReplyDeletebut that bear, he is something.
Happy Bearthday big fella.
ReplyDeleteI'm just gonna take a minute to remember your brother, Gumbo. Sigh.
You both make Daddy proud.
i think bear will always be a puppy. happy birthday, bear!
ReplyDeleteLabs stay puppies forever.That's part of their charm.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday,Bear!
Happy Birthday to Bear! He is quite the party animal.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Bear! You are the very picture of a happy dog!
ReplyDeleteThanks on behalf of Bear! I read him your comments and he got all misty.
ReplyDeleteHe's a big softy under all that rippling muscle.
Happy birthday Bear!
ReplyDelete(Guess he doesn't know it's dangerous to play with plastic bags. Probably he just loves the sound they make when he shakes em!)