This morning I watched Teddy as he made a valiant effort to jump up onto the couch, finally succeeding on his third try. He was frustrated after the first two, voicing his displeasure with a few snorts and a shake of his collar. The varying array of jingles of his id and microchip tag often signal to me that he is frustrated, hungry or wants to go outside.

I realized as I watched him scratch and arrange his blanket to his liking that my Tedster is getting old. He’ll be 12 years old this July. Twelve?

Wasn’t he just this little fuzzy faced pup ?

I cried a little then, looking at him sleeping. I remember what it was like having to put Gizzy to sleep when he was 18, and the guilt, the pain, the “I’ll never love another dog like this” proclamations.

I was wrong, I do love another dog like that, and he’s sleeping on the couch in my office now, snoring away as I cry at the thought that one day, he won’t be there. I hate this part, the part where I think of having to lose another dog, when I start having to count up the years and know that the ones we’ve had are more than the ones we have left.

And what of Beaux? Teddy has always been in his life, what will happen when he’s gone? Will he grieve? Will he know that his little nemesis won’t be coming back? Will he miss Teddy nipping at his heels as he chases him through the office, around the media room and finally out the door to the pool where they drop all of their treasured toys? What of me?

I know it’s sad and ridiculous to look towards something that I hope is not even close to happening, but I’m  unwillingly doing it. Watching him struggle to jump when just minutes earlier he was running around like a puppy is sobering and put me in this frame of mind.

I just hope he knows how much I love him, and what a treasure he has been in my life. I’m so thankful for 12 years of Teddy kisses and smiles, and I hope for many more.

Love you Mr. President.

I entered Teddy in the Tiny Prints Cutest Pet contest, could ya click on over there and throw him a bone, so to speak?

If the link above doesn’t work, try here….Ted is around the 8th page.

Thanks !!

Happy Birthday Ruff Ryder of Three Oaks. You’re my precious Teddy and just as wild, spirited and rambunctious as the man you were named for, President Theodore Roosevelt… …in the last 11 years you have been the best first mate, …curious friend, …helpful bartender, …golf cart companion, …and the all around best dog ever.

Thanks for the last eleven years, and I look forward to many more.

You are Ted Terrific.