The Best Day Ever

This morning my favorite cuddler nudged me awake at 4:30 a.m. and, without words, clearly said, “Let’s get this day started.”
At 14, Howard doesn’t always understand the quality of life benefits that come from sleep.

Every night after supper, he leads the Dogpatch dogs in a small, joyful dance — letting us know he’s had the best day ever and asking, can I have another, please?
We should all live a little more like Howard and his friends.

These dogs are the diamonds I don’t wear on my fingers, the gold trinkets I pass by in favor of vet bills. I love them more than life, because life without dogs would be no life at all.

I am thankful for each and every dog who greets me each day in the dog park. I don’t take for granted the trust shown by those who place their own “diamonds” in my care. The dogs that make up our pack here at Dogpatch help make my life full.

Thank you for letting me feel — as Howard has taught me — that every day can be the best day ever, and that it’s always okay to ask, can I have another, please?

— Sunni