The Bear Necessities

I have found no greater joy and no greater challenge than being a single parent to Bear Broyles.  (And I teach 17 year old boys all day...)

Some days I find it nearly impossible to not scream at him.  

Whether it is his ongoing fear of babies, or the fact that he prefers to pee in the middle of the sidewalk (his highness hates getting his feet wet on the grass) - every day I am pushed to the limits of my patience. 

And yes, one might think that the chewing would subside after the first year.  However, I am getting the impression that we are just getting started. 

A good friend of mine lost her dog this week in a freak accident.  The terrifying story has haunted me for days.  I have been reminded that tomorrow is not promised to us, not even a tomorrow with our beloved canines. 

So, yes, Bear I think I can fit in the dog park after work today after all. 

And you're right.  You do deserve one of the fancy treats. 

I know.  It's my fault for leaving your new coat out where you could grab it.  Ha!  I can almost imagine how your tail must have wagged as you shredded out that lining. 

I love that you chewed up the coffee table.  It gives me incentive to save for a new one. 

And thank you for carefully ripping out the insoles of my new Toms, while leaving the rest of the shoe untouched.  I love the comfy new insoles I bought better than the originals anyway. 

Because at the end of the day, the bare necessity of life is loving every creature for what they are (although I might need to call in his trainer again...).  Bear's not perfect.  But, honestly, neither am I - and he still loves me more than I can understand. 

So, I thank God for the opportunity to spend another day with my wimpy, squirrel-obsessed, allergic-to-everything, drop-dead-gorgeous puppy dog.  Amen.