Happy Birthday to Dodger

If you know me at all you know that Dodger is a very important member of our family. The last couple months have been hard on him (and me). Because of Reed's allergies he doesn't really come in the house anymore. Somedays he just stares in the back door with the saddest eyes and all but says "what did I do wong, why can't I come in." About once a week I have a moment of weakness and let him in the bathroom or living room (if Reed is asleep and I know his fur will be vaccummed up soon).

He is such a sweet dog and Reed and I still take him on a walk almost every day. Reed even gives Dodger a treat after we get back and both boys are sooooo good about it. Reed knows that the treat is for Dodger and has never tried to put it in his own mouth or do anything else with it but hold it out for the dog. To his credit Dodger is so gentle when he takes the treat from Reed. Every morning I get a little swell of pride at how caring both of my boys are. Since Reed handles the treats Dodger has the benefit of getting upgraded jerky treats that are free of all of Reed's allergens.

When we play outside we are usually in the front yard. While Dodger isn't a licker he is definitely a drooler and frequently slimes anyone he comes in contact with. Since Reed and Dodger now come eye to eye it makes it really hard and inevitably I'm wiping Reed's face within a minute of playing.  I really need to be better about letting Reed play in the backyard, I feel like that would make Dodger feel more included, it definitely needs to be something to work towards this Fall and Winter. Even though I worry that Dodger is a bit lonesome I think he understands his place in the family and has done a great job adapting to all of the changes that have come his way in the last year.

Recently I've found myself doing what we always used to make fun of my Mom for - calling Reed by the dog's name and vice versa. Jon and I are also both guilty of using Dodger's commands on Reed from time to time. Including, but not limited to, "leave it" "stay" "come here" "easy" and "sit" the sad thing is they are pretty effective with The Kiddo too!

What's the saying? "Every Dog has his day" and November 21st is Dodger's day, his Birthday to be exact. Dr. Money (aka D-Money, aka Dodge Bear, aka Dodger) had a great day. Reed and I took him on an extra long walk, then when Reed was napping I brushed him and gave him a shower. He got to spend some quality time in the house too. When Reed woke up from his afternoon nap we gave Dodger his Birthday cupcake. I thought Reed would think it was so much fun, but he was in a horrible mood. He kept signing that he wanted more of his cupcake and then as soon as I would give him some he'd throw a fit, then take a huge bite, then start crying, and then sign more.

Tio and Auntie "C" came over to watch a movie in the evening and we let Dodger hang out with us the whole time. All he did was sleep, but I loved having him inside with us again, plus he got some major loving from his Aunt and Uncle!