Why I Get Up in the Morning

No month of advent and gratitude whether religious or secular, regardless of how heavily weighted toward the four legged, would be complete without the girl. I don't know if she's man's best friend but she is absolutely mine. No one loves me more or better, it's simply not possible. She is forgiving and affectionate and, as the song says, a blessing in a really bad disguise.

A little over 12 years ago Pony Express picked this dog up off the street and gave us both a gift. PE has done a lot of wonderful things for me over the years. Finding and saving this dog is by far the most unexpected, long acting and far reaching one.

I knew I'd love having a dog and I suspected I would get almost painfully attached to her. Pony Express and I joke that Em has promised us she'll live forever. Clearly one of those things one uses to cover up a fear. I know she's only, er, human...ish so living forever isn't an option, nor a good idea, but the thought of a life without her is unbearable.

She's a gem and she makes this time of year good because she enjoys everything.