Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Clark turned THREE!!!


Dear Clark,

Holy cow your THREE! I still remember the little ball of black and white fluff we fell in love with when you joined our family. That seems like a lifetime ago. It's hard to think back to the pre-dog days. I imagine I did much less sweeping...

Your first night with us was great! You slept like a champ! But it was a total fluke! For the next few months you woke me up several times a night to go outside. I so badly wanted a dog that I diligently got up with you every night, and early every morning and it seemed as though I cleaned pee out of your crate every single day. But, I require way way way more sleep then you... and eventually on the verge of exhaustion I cracked. Thus initiating the every other morning policy that Chris and I follow to this day. Yeah sure I only get to sleep in every other Sunday. But it's so worth it! Suddenly 7 am seems like a reasonable time to start the day. And it's a good thing, because I have a feeling we'll be on this schedule for a long time.

Your first few months with us were rainy, we spent what time we could outside honing your frisbee and fetch skills. But on the really bad chilly, damp days we played in our then empty living room. The rain taught you a few key tricks though, which to this day are some of my favorite things about you.
  1. You are the PRO at "come in and sit". Immediately upon entering our house you park your furry butt on the doormat and hold up your little paws, one at a time to be wiped clean. Who could ask for more, really!?
  2. You seem to love being dried off with a towel. But not just dried off, COMPLETELY wrapped up/mummified in a towel... And you will snuggle in your towel until your dry.
  3. With all of the mud and rain we had that first fall, they brought with them lots of baths. And so with the simple command "Get in the tubby", you run to the bathroom and jump in the bathtub. And there you stay until you get the OK to come out.
  4. You can balance things on your head and nose like few dogs I've ever met. We spent a lot of time together learning every lesson ever taught on patience. You are the king of "wait". Time and time again you are patiently waiting far after everyone else (ahem.. me) has lost it. You will sit and stare a hole though a person waiting for them to throw you a toy. You will drool a puddle the size of a lake on the kitchen floor waiting for the go-ahead to eat your dinner or grab your treat. You sir are the Master of Wait!
Your patience was tested once again when we brought you home a 'friend'. I often wonder what went though your head when Indy came to play AND NEVER LEFT... We thought the two of you could play together. Wear each other out. Be best buddies. Yeah... sorry about that. For every ounce of energy and gusto you have, Indy has two ounces of lazy. That plan SO did NOT come together. But the two of you get along very well, for the two most opposite dogs in the entire universe... Occasionally you give in and let Indy use you as a pillow. Because your awesome. But mostly he just takes your toys, ruins your stuff and steals the spotlight. Your the smartest dog I've ever met, and I think you understand that Indy is "special"... I really think you do. You pick your battles and you pick them well.

You are the most expressive dog I have ever met. With the tilt of your head and slightest movement of your ears you show us exactly how you are feeling. Your brain is constantly working. You speak novels without saying a word; and you are also acutely aware of our feelings. You can sense my bad days when I walk in the door. You are the best companion for a awful day.

In the past few months you have become increasingly cuddly and affectionate. You have always been big on giving kisses, and letting people hug you. But lately you've been sweeter and more gentle then ever before. You will gingerly take a treat out of someones hand like it's the worlds most fragile milk-bone. You perch your head on my arm or knee just for a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ear. Your suddenly HUGE on getting belly rubs and LOVE having your back scratched. This is something you've just discovered. It's not all about work and play anymore. It's as if you have learned to relax and enjoy!

Enjoy your third year Clark! Your a good boy! The very best!