Happy Birthday Charlie! 

One Year Today!

Today has been a very special day indeed. Our little Charlie Bear is one year old today! It's hard to believe - it seems like only yesterday when we brought him home. I remember Richard driving, trying not to take the curves too fast and me holding him, wrapped up in a blanket on my lap. It was cold outside so we had the heat on in the car, but then he got too hot so I unwrapped him and blew cool air onto his face to cool him down. I was so excited to have him, but so terrified too. I was so worried that he would be sick and I wouldn't know what to do or that I would accidentally step on him and crush him! He was so tiny and delicate looking!

Posing for the camera with a nice Beef flavored raw-hide

It took no time at all and we knew we were forever linked. He quickly became an integral part of our lives and we knew we would be incomplete without him. Even Denny, who at first did not understand why we brought this puppy into his home, became protective of our little guy.

Taking a breather and waiting for a biscuit!

Of course there were days we wondered if he would survive to see his first birthday. The little guy has a habit of putting absolutely anything he finds into his mouth! I've lost count of the number of times I've had to dig around in his mouth to take out something that I never thought he'd put in there! And why does he want to pull the fiber-fill out of a stuffed animal and chow down on it? Why does he want to eat the toilet paper roll? Who knows, all I know is the boy keeps us on our toes!

Our boy, a year older.  We love him!

Although the fella needs absolutely nothing, he still managed to do quite well for himself on this special day. He received a gigantic stuffed pumpkin (with a squeaker in it that I'm sure he'll dig out eventually) which he grudgingly shared with Denny. He also received a squeaky stuffed fox and a rubber ducky hatchling which he hasn't quite figured out yet. There were also the cheesy treats and beef flavored rawhides. As I write this he is curled up on the carpet at my feet looking quite content. And that is the best part! Yes, he's a year old today and that is special. He received toys and treats and enjoyed himself today. But the best part is that he is happy and healthy and we get to enjoy him being here with us every day. So I guess WE actually received the best present - our little Charlie Bear!

Robbi