My life has been punctuated by four incredibly special dogs and the days I got each of them are definitely among the very happiest days of my life.
I know this may sound a bit extreme, but they rank way ahead of my wedding day or the day our son was born. Both those days were fraught in their own ways, whereas the doggy days were relaxed and somehow pure joy.
Today marks the first anniversary of meeting Puppy Stan ~ feeling him clinging onto me and gazing into my eyes when I picked him up in that dark yard in the depths of Co. Wexford.
He’s found his niche in our world now and is lying on ‘his’ chair in the kitchen basking in the sun, as I write this. Goodness only knows what he’s dreaming about! Perhaps summer days on the beach?
I think he knows that it’s a special day. He was full of his fun before the sun even rose and the pair of us were out ‘skating’ on the frosty paths long before the rest of the world had woken.
Now to the woods to run free …..

I do understand what you mean! Such special joyful days picking a new companion!And your Stan is just the biz!
Hi SV, great to hear from you and glad you understand.
Other than when they go through their “teething” stage and want to chew everything, they do bring joy, don’t they?
Hi Dale, I’m not so sure it’s a stage with dogs! All mine kept chewing stuff, especially books, forever.
Oh dear…I am ever more glad mine stopped!
Sounds like you are better at training them than me!!!
A little Cayenne powder did he trick to get him to stop eating my antique table legs!!!
There have been three very special dogs in my life..first was “Ralph ” (part Doberman and German Shepard) our son bought him with his BD cash when he was six years old..he lived up until our Son was in his late teens. Then came “WallY’ ( our grand-dog), the white Westie. Alas was “Buster” ( another grand -dog ) a black Labrador Retriever. Each of these beloved pets made a special spot in my heart. When they passed on a part of me went with them. I have great memories of each..I know how you feel and how you relate to him..
Ah thanks, Joni. Your’s sound like real pets too.
Great post Jean. Love the pictures of Stan – he looks so full of life. i wish you and he a wonderufl anniversary.
Thanks Paul! He’s full of vim and vigour, that’s for sure. Long may it last!
Oh Stan is so handsome! I grew up with two black English cocker Spaniels that looked just like Stan so it’s such a pleasure to see photos of him. I now have an adorable Border Terrier, Baffi. I agree with you, the time spent together is often so carefree. When I go to meditation class and we’re asked to choose a relaxing image to focus on, guess who comes to mind? 🙂
Hi Letizia, delighted to hear from you and it sounds like you’re as much a dog lover as I am.
Dog offer you pure undemanding love and adoration!
Couldn’t agree more, Willow.
Oh, he’s gorgeous. I do miss having a dog so thanks for letting me live vicariously through you for a moment 🙂
You’re more than welcome, Safi. Love is elastic!
Love it! Happy Anniversary to Stan the Man 🙂
Ah thanks Val. I guess I’ll always call him a puppy but he deserves the title of ‘man’ now ~ most of the time anyway!
He’s beaut. That’s what he is.
Thanks Elen. He’s preening here beside me!
Ah Puppy Stan, he’s gorgeous 🙂 Hope you both had a great ‘gotcha’ day.
Awe… and wishing you many more happy years together! 🙂 ♥ ❤