Monday, February 23, 2009

Bear's Birthday

Today is Bear's birthday.

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.



30 comments:

Anonymous said...

Max and Queequeg send their best birthday wishes to Bear.

I 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.

Florida Beach Basics said...

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

Anonymous said...

Mighty Dog says have a great day Bear. You are still technically a puppy. Enjoy.
I 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.

Paintsmh said...

Bear is so totally awesome! Happy birthday to him!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Bear.

So...whatja get??? Huh??? Huh???

Patti

Word Verification:worn-sis-e

kathy a. said...

that clip is a riot! bear has done pretty well with training you.

buddy 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.

threecollie said...

Birthday wishes from a quarter dozen border collies!

Sharon said...

Happy Birthday Bear!! What a dog :)

Sayre said...

Wow - 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.

Happy birthday, Bear! Sit. Down. Stay. Play!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Bear!!

Dani said...

Happy Birthday Bear! Hope the humans get you lots of yummy, good stuff.

Deb said...

Happy Birthday Bear! If I were there I'd give you a huge hug and a dog treat! :)

Lynn said...

I can only imagine that today is bittersweet. Give that dog a BIG hug from his friends in central fl!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Bearthday! Lucy and Sky send their love and congratulations. Another year older, another year wiser, they say.

Miz S said...

Happy birthday to your goofy boy.

amarkonmywall said...

He 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.

Alan said...

Happy Birthday to Bear! :) Our families would not be the same without all the various four legged members.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Bear! Woof! Woof!

Thunder said...

How nice of you to buy him a sack to play with! ;-)

Anonymous said...

So that's a doggie bag, huh?
Lightnin

swamp4me said...

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.

jean said...

I've often thought of Marley when watching Bear and the chickens. Happy Birthday big guy, and many more.

kathy a. said...

like swamp4me, also thinking of gumbo, with a tear or 2.

but that bear, he is something.

Freste said...

Happy Bearthday big fella.
I'm just gonna take a minute to remember your brother, Gumbo. Sigh.
You both make Daddy proud.

Ericka said...

i think bear will always be a puppy. happy birthday, bear!

Unknown said...

Labs stay puppies forever.That's part of their charm.
Happy Birthday,Bear!

robin andrea said...

Happy Birthday to Bear! He is quite the party animal.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Bear! You are the very picture of a happy dog!

R.Powers said...

Thanks on behalf of Bear! I read him your comments and he got all misty.
He's a big softy under all that rippling muscle.

LauraHinNJ said...

Happy birthday Bear!

(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!)