Dog Years.

I have always tried to live by the idea that: judging others actions can often lead to over judging your own. When you take a moment to think about it - and I hope you will - you might understand what I mean. When you spend any amount of time judging someone for their actions, you begin to become critical of your own decision; fearing that someone may be as critical of your choices as you are of theirs.

It's a vicious circle that I have been part of more than once......ashamedly so.

Maybe that's why I use this blog as I do. A form of redemption. And here is today's redemption.

Shadow is Year old today! I am happy to share this information because in a way I see it as a milestone. We have survived the first year of Shadow; the first year of learning how to be a more responsible pet owner; a year of surprises and trials with Shadow. A year in which Shadow AND I had to learn to be alone without Parker and how to balance life with a dog with life in general. Harder than you would think when your dog is a Great Dane puppy and at 10 months old is bigger and heavier than a some people.....with intelligence to match.

Sadly, I have been over hesitant to show people how much this landmark means to me and my family. I have feared judgment and ridicule for my actions over the past two days. And here are my thoughts and confessions - THE confessions of  A Great Dane OWNER.

• My friend Katie threw a little get-together yesterday - a celebration for her and my dog - Yoshi and Shadow have the same birthday and we brought our respective dogs home on the same day. So yesterday we threw a little party to celebrate their first year. Why is that strange? Why do I feel strange about telling people that? 
• Everyone who passed through the celebration yesterday brought the dogs a little something. I was overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity people showed towards us and our pups. And yet, I felt uncomfortable telling people about the gifts and love they showed our dogs. WHY? 
• I have yet to post pictures of Shadow happily strutting his stuff wearing a birthday hat. It was both hilarious and fun.....yet, I feel a sense of uncertainty when in sharing the fun with others. 

I wake every day to check my blogs and my various social networks. Inevitably,  I come across posts and pictures that share happy moments of families; homecomings; births and birthdays. I love to see these little snapshots of their lives and the joy that they experience. So, why can't I share mine?

Shadow may not be a child, or a person but he is part of THIS family and he has been my buddy during this deployment. He has taught Parker and I so much about life......

• He has showed me unconditional love
• He has taught me to be less selfish with my time
• He has taught me to think of someone other than myself in almost every situation. 
• He has taught me patience.
• He has shown me that life isn't always easy but it is worth the struggle. 
• He has protected me and made me laugh when I didn't think I could. 
• He has helped find the energy to get moving when I didn't want to get out of bed. 
• He has been a important distraction during a stressful deployment. 
• He is ours. And he is loved more than he knows. 

So why, oh why is it strange to say to my friends and family.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHADOW!! This is what we did to celebrate. This what we wish for the future. AND we hope that we many more years of fun and love in his future! 

There I said it.
Judge me as you will.
As much as he has given this family - He deserves this much from us.
Happy Birthday Buddy <3