It was just us for a while, living it up and doing whatever we wanted. There were long walks, premium dog food and lots of treats. You didn’t have to share the bed with anyone but me and the pets. Whenever you wanted.

Things look different now, the walks sometimes are quick jaunts outside in the yard because one of the kids decided they didn’t want to wear shoes today. And, the premium dog food was replaced with something a bit more cost effective to balance out our increasing budget. And, the bed? Well, most nights you get a small piece at the bottom because all the kids make their way into the bed someway, somehow. 

But your patience? It never ceases to amaze me. You look after the kids as if they are your own. When I get up in the middle of the night to the sounds of my name, you always follow right behind me, waiting patiently to make sure all is okay. Your favorite treat is now given from two little fingers who giggle as you lick their hands as you devour each bite, very, very gently. I watch you as you hesitate as the baby crawls towards you before you give in and roll over, eagerly awaiting the pets that sometimes get a little rough. Yet, you lay there and only move away when the baby has had enough (I think sometimes I heard you sigh in relief).

But me? I get annoyed with you. When you stand underfoot when I’m trying to cook. Or bark when the mail comes and gets delivered from the same person, every single day, since we moved into this house. It always happens to be right at the baby’s nap time and usually, it wakes him up. But, what I don’t realize is you just want attention when you stand there looking at me with your big puppy eyes. And, you bark to protect us because you never know when that mailman may turn into a super villain. But, you’ll be ready to protect us – the mission you take the most seriously.

Someday, I know I won’t step on your favorite squeaky toy for the 50th time and curse your name. Or chase you through the house to wipe your paws after you went outside and are muddy and wet, and I’m going to regret it. Regret all the times I snapped at you, got annoyed at you for just being you, the best darn dog that anyone could ask for. And for that, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that you’re usually the one that gets the last end of my patience. Or somedays the least bit of my attention when I have given so much of myself all day. 

You deserve better. So, I promise to be kinder. Notice you more and take time to go on those walks like we used to. Just know, my bestest boy, that my love for you is stronger than when it was just you and me, because now I get to see you in your glory with your kids, with your family, running in the backyard and having birthday parties with cake and hats as you grow older. Getting all the treats you ever wanted because the kids think you are the best dog. And, it’s true. You are. And, even though somedays I seem annoyed, I thank you for choosing us to be your family.