Three Wonderful Years of Charlie

Today, October 16, is Charlie's third birthday.



As a puppy, Charlie was a truly devilish little angel. He was perfect in so many ways - never had accidents, never rarely chewed on anything in the house except his own toys and beds. Yet he had razor-sharp puppy teeth and reveled in using them... inside on toys and dog beds, outside on plants and sticks... and anytime on his people. And he had a stubborn streak that, when combined with those teeth, was formidable! "Charlie won't let himself be toweled dry? No problem, wet dog sounds fine with me. Charlie won't go any farther on his walk? Hey, guess we'll just sit here a while."

The only thing that got us through those early days (and, frankly, some of the later ones) was food. Any food, any time. Want dinner in peace? Time for a rawhide chew. Want to clip his nails? No problem with a helper to feed him tidbits. Want him back in the house? "Puppy treats! Come get a puppy treat!"

Now that he's growing up, Charlie is mellowing a bit. He'll allow himself to be toweled without chewing on the toweler. I can sometimes almost clip his nails myself. And he rarely tries to play doggy-rough with me anymore. But to get him back in the house... well, fortunately that "Puppy treats!" trick still works. Usually.

Happy Birthday, Charlie -- it's still fun working out who rules whom!

Charlie at 10 days

1 month old

2 months old

Charlie at 3 months

4 months

Catching treats at 5 months

6 months

Charlie at 1 year

Charlie at 2 years

Charlie on his 3rd birthday

Happy Birthday Big Guy! We love you!

And, p.s. Happy Birthday to Charlie's sister Sophie in Indiana, too!