Carson

Carson is our first born. She has lit up our lives from the moment we held her sweet fuzzy self in our anxious arms. I remember our first ride home and she cowered in Mr's arms, licked him, relaxed, and nodded off to sleep (I was driving because he couldn't stand not to hold her all the way home). Carson is our protector, comforter, and she is a teacher of wonderful values.

Some of her teachings need to be noted:

1. Greet everyone in a way that lets them know you are THRILLED TO SEE THEM every single time you see them. It never gets old to know someone genuinely missed you... even when you just ran to the mailbox... at the end of the drive way.

2. Keep on keeping on, even when the going is really rough. Like when you have two children under the age of two fighting over who's turn it is to brush your tail after "taking you on a walk". Being taken on a walk by a toddler is like being chained to a wrecking ball (in the middle of a demolition). Earlier that same day said siblings may have also put all of your kibble into your water bowl, dumped it all over the laundry room, and then closed the door, so not only are you now matted, chained, and hungry, you can add thirsty to the list. But, Carson handles it like a pro and always has a gentle smile in her eyes to know she just loves them unconditionally, even if she doesn't actually know why!

3. Make a lot of noise if anyone creepy enters your yard. Creepy is a subjective word here. Apparently creepy can apply to babies, tiny dogs, the elderly, and Jehovah's Witnesses walking down the street, but you get the idea.

4. Enjoy the small things in life. Swimming in a lake, a good game of catch, chasing a sprinkler in the backyard, and fifteen minutes in the snow with you family are what great days are made of... especially if they end with a grill out.

5. Sometimes what someone needs most is just to let you know you care. This can be done with a snuggle, warm paw on their lap, or just to let them stroke your back as they have a good cry. 

I don't care what anyone says - my dog is the best friend, family, and therapist you could ask for!