Frogs, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

"There is only one smartest dog in the world, and every boy has it."

-Anonymous

Our dog Forest (our four-legged first born) has become a great big brother to Jack. It's so funny to watch him look back and forth at Jack and me with this panic in his eyes when Jack's crying. I love how Forest sniffs Jack before greeting me now when I come home. I also melt when I see Forest give Jack an ever so gentle lick on his hand or foot when he's on the floor playing.

My childhood memories are filled with moments with our family mutt (get this, he was named ... Poopie! No joke!). I feel that my life was enriched because I had a dog. I loved that dog so much that my parents said I would take my dinner plate to the den and sit on the floor to eat with him so he wouldn't feel left out.

Robert also grew up with a dog, a beagle named Buddy, who actually lived to be over 17 years old. Robert was almost done with college when he passed away. Robert and his parents still talk about Buddy to this day, and I have no doubt that this special dog was Robert's absolute best friend when he was a boy.

I often wish that Forest was younger than he is (he'll be 7 in January) or that he'd live forever. I look forward to watching Jack grow up with Forest ... pulling on his tail, patting him on the head, and one day chasing him around the yard. I just know that they will be the best of friends.