When I grow up...: My current Sidekick

Caution: This will only make sense to dog lovers.

So, my current Sidekick and companion is sweet Glory. She has been our baby for the past 4 1/2 years now, and we really couldn't ask for a better pup. When we first got Glory, after Liberty was put to sleep, we weren't sure we could ever love Glory as much as we did Liberty. Also, at first, she wasn't too into cuddling with us, which, at the time, was all that we selfishly wanted. We were wrong on both issues. She showed us that our hearts can love just as much, if not more, and she became the most loving, cuddly dog we could have hoped for.

She greets us with a hug when we get home, and she always wants to be close to us. It is amazing to me how smart dogs are. We definitely feel that she senses that something is going on with this growing belly of mine. In the last couple of weeks, anytime I sit/lay down, she immediately joins me and puts her head as close to my belly as she can.

As many of you know, I have been so worried about Glory with the transition of adding Sidekick to our family. I logically KNOW that things are going to be different. I don't want them to be, but I know that something has to give. She will no longer be our top priority. Sean must be sick of how much I am stressing that I am going to need him to be uber-helpful with Glory after the baby b/c we still want her to get her exercise and be happy. I am sure I will shed many tears over this, and honestly, already have on some days.

She was my best buddy during Sean's deployment. I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have her to come home to everyday. It amazes me that I could be the worst dog mom, not walking her, just giving her the bare minimum, and she still is ALWAYS happy to see me. She never gives us attitude...she just unconditionally loves us. She warms my heart everyday, several times a day. I had her with me at BC recently, and I was speaking to a monk, and he said, you know, wouldn't the world be a better place if more people loved like dogs do? I don't think I could think of a more true statement than that.

Anyways, I am hopeful that Glory will love our new Sidekick as much as we already do, and that they will be best buds as Sidekick grows up. If Glory only knew how much she brings to our lives...

here are a few favorites of mine...