Year of the Dog

Thus begins a new year. A time of renewal, a catalyst for change. Last year was a turning point for me. 2008 was my “Year of the Dog”.

This New Year is an opportunity to not only liberate my future, but reflect on the past, learn from it and leave it there. I have allowed the past to dictate my potential for too long. Perhaps it is the grey hair I have seen multiply over the past year, or the fact that I am more than half way through life's journey, but common sense seems to be prevailing. The sense of urgency I used to feel in my life has segued into a nice steady putter with which I am finding comfort.

The constant on this tumultuous journey through the years has been a dog. Their devotion left me humbled and amazed. The days I didn’t think I could make it through – there they were wagging away. Their tenderness and simplicity reminding me that life really isn’t complicated. A dog doesn’t wag their tail with an agenda, malevolence or ill will. They wag with a gracious heart. A lesson I need to remember, trust I need to extend to others - some days I need to lose the bark and just wag my tail.

With a dog comes a generosity of spirit that enriches each of our lives. Each of our dogs makes me smile, shows incomparable affection and acceptance. I can't imagine our life without them. With our dogs I have begun to feel whole for the first time in my life. They allow me to see myself through their eyes – maybe I am not such a bad person after all.

2008 Year of the Dog

January – Newly adopted Ranger didn’t take long to wag his way into our hearts. (Photo taken by Vivian - Red Dog Photography)

February – Beth joined our family. Her timid shyness taught us to all ratchet the stress level down a few degrees. In turn we watched her blossom into a loving trusting friend. (Photo taken by Vivian - Red Dog Photography)



March – Herding fever struck. The desire to see our dogs ‘fulfill’ their passion was a sign of things and obsessions to come. (I took this photo)


April – I am humbled by my husband's honest affection for every dog he meets. (Photo shot by Vivian - Red Dog Photography with her dog Eliot) I watched my hubby fall in love with another female (Beth) - this one happens to have four legs and sleeps in our bedroom - so I guess it is okay. *wink*



May – Beth injured her leg on a sharp rock at the river, nearly amputating her accessory pad. A couple surgeries later she is finally on the mend. The only activity she got for 6 weeks was obedience and bone chewing.



June – Summer is here! Herding begins again for Beth at Fido's Farm in Olympia, WA



July – A vacation at Long Beach, WA! Ahhh we love the beach!



August – A new puppy! Bonnie graced our family with sheer puppy exuberance!



September – Herding passion becomes obsession



October – A lovely autumn walk at the river



November – Goodbye my dear old friend. Godspeed Katie…



December - Hello to a new direction - giving back by fostering with Border Collie Rescue. A new beginning at the end of a year. With so much going on for the holidays....Sometimes it is nice just to see the simple things, like Dad coming home from work.



My wish is that 2009 brings as many wonderful things to your life as 2008 brought to ours.

Happy New Year!