Jack & the Big Red Dog

Happy Holidaze 2009

Another wonderful year had passed quickly for the little boy, the little girl, 2 year old Jack, and the big red dog on their little farm in the Pacific Northwest. They were getting a little older & a little slower, but taking care of wild man Jack helped keep everyone moving, at least at his lightening speed. On some days, the big red dog heard the word “no” coming from the little girl many, many times. Jack could be heard returning his demonstrative response, “NO”, even louder. The little boy, trying to lead by example, always remained the calm & quiet one. The big red dog was secretly jealous because Jack was talking in sentences. He so wished he could talk back instead of just wagging his tail or letting out the occasional yelp. But overall, the big red dog thought of all the great times they had together…there were many more blessings than challenges and enough toddler drama to keep things interesting.

The big red dog and Jack enjoyed playing ball together and chasing each other around. “I am actually starting to like my little brother now that I know he is here to stay”, thought the big red dog. The little boy had pep talks with the big red dog about the new hierarchy in the house. “We’re not alpha anymore”, the little boy explained, “Jack is #1.” This puzzled the big red dog, because the little girl was always telling him that the Tarheels were #1! When the big red dog had had enough of Jack’s antics, he would retreat to the big bed, curl up, and take a nap. The big red dog loved his naps, especially when he was between the little girl and the little boy. They all needed their rest and naptime was their favorite. After lunch, where Jack usually threw down a treat or two, there would still be rocking and reading in the nursery, and Jack would take a nap in his crib while Tucker took his nap in the big bed. After rest time, everyone was happy again and there was more fun to be had.

Jack was a curious and verbal little boy who loved having fun. “I wonder where he gets that from?” smirked the little girl. His favorite activities included going on a bear hunt & looking for a bear cave, having books read to him, swimming lessons, watching Dora & Diego, and drinking chocolate milk. He had just turned 2 years old on 12/3/09 and now weighed 31.5 lbs. Some not so favorite things included haircuts, broccoli, staying in his crib, and keeping his shoes/socks on his feet. He was a big boy now and brushed his own teeth and picked out his own books, all by himself. His favorites included all of Dr. Seuss, Going on a Bear Hunt, Good Night Gorilla, & The Big Red Barn.

The little boy and the little girl drank hot tea after Jack was sleeping and reviewed their year. The little boy still helped protect good people from the bad ones and would soon be doing it by bicycle. The little girl still helped very small babies get better and was obsessed with her 2009 National Champion Tarheels. Their days were filled with their dream come true, their little son Jack, who wasn’t so little anymore. But he would always be their baby! “But I thought I was their baby,” sighed the big red dog, as he waited patiently for his salami treat. “You will always be our four-legged baby, Tucker,” they told him. Our hearts are big enough for both a four & a two-legged son!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you & your family!

Tucker is our 6 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback dog (aka the big red dog).