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9 Things That Leroy Has Taught Me Over 9 Years

Every birthday that we celebrate with the boys is a blessing.

I know that things can change and a drop of a hat so every day I look at these two and just smile.

I’m proud of the senior dogs that they are.

The fact that Leroy turns 9 today and is a happy and healthy  dog is nothing short of a miracle.

I know that many people think that the reason that Leroy is still here is because of the care and love that we provide for him but honestly, that’s all Leroy.

He’s the one who fought to stay here, he’s the one that ultimately chose that his life was worth living.

Sometimes I think that he did choose to stay here for me. I think he knew that I needed him to teach me a few things.

While Leroy has taught me a lot in our short time together, here’s a list of 9 of the things that stand out the most:

It’s better to live life laughing. Oh does this dog keep me laughing. Even on the worst of days he still manages to make me giggle like a little girl with his silly antics. Whether it be his sassy back talking, his crazy looks or the way he grabs a toy when I walk through the door, he makes me laugh.

It’s ok to bark and wag. The saying “wag more bark less” really doesn’t apply in this house. You can speak your mind and be happy about it.  Leroy wags and barks at the same time several times a day. He took my advice of “use your words” seriously when he was a puppy.

Take some time to listen.  One of my favorite things to do is sit in our backyard and just listen to the sounds, but we lead a busy life and there’s not always time to do that. Leroy reminds me to take time to do this because he lays on our back porch for several hours in the mornings and listens to birds and watches the squirrels. Popping a squat next to him for a few minutes every morning is often one of the best parts of my day.

Walking is good for the mind and the soul.  I love to go for walks but if I didn’t have Leroy pestering me everyday to get outside and actually do it, I don’t know how often I would do it. Walking always does me good because it clears my mind. Whenever I have brain fog, a walk clears it up almost instantly. If Leroy didn’t make me walk there’s a good chance that I would be in a brain fog for eternity.

It’s ok to meet new people. Ugh, people. For a very long time I wasn’t a fan of people. I partially blame my days of working retail for that but when you have a Newfie, you’re gonna have to have contact with people no matter how much you don’t want to. It took me years to warm up to this idea but then one day when I was out with Leroy I realized that of all the things there are to talk to people about, dogs are the very best subject.

How to give the perfect side eye. Leroy has perfected the side-eye, which I don’t if that’s a good thing or a bad thing because that might mean that he’s constantly annoyed with me. He’s actually made this look part of his vocabulary and uses it on a daily basis. Back in his younger days he use to give me the side-eye and then chase me.

There’s nothing wrong with looking through the wrong end of the telescope. I’ve always been one to think outside the box and look at things differently than the people around me. Leroy does the same thing which is why I think that we have such a good understanding of each other. It’s ok to be different.

Newfies are like a box of chocolate, you never know what you’re going to get. Leroy’s not the laid back gentle giant that Sherman is.  This dog has kept me on my toes ever since the day that he came into my life.

You gotta have confidence. This dog is full of confidence wherever he is and it’s finally starting to rub off on me after 9 years. With Leroy by my side my confidence in life has soared. He enables me to do things that I never thought I could.

Happy Birthday Mr. Roy. Thank you for being you.

p.s. This list could of gone on forever but I had to limit it to 9 or that would of made him older. Hahaha

p.p.s. I had a balloon that was shaped like a 9 but it blew out the car window. True story.

 

 

 

 

 

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Jen

Wednesday 5th of July 2017

Thanks so much Diana and I totally agree, each day is a joy with them! <3

Diana Stoll

Sunday 2nd of July 2017

A belated Happy Birthday to Leroy!

Our dogs are 9+ now too, and although we're seeing age-related changes, they are still -- and always will be -- our puppies. Every day with them is a joy! We wish you many many more days of joy with Leroy and Sherman; each one is a reason to celebrate.

Best wishes to you all!

Kristi

Friday 30th of June 2017

Very well written! You should write a post on 49 reasons why you love your sister:)

Jen

Wednesday 5th of July 2017

That would be easy peasy <3

Jan K

Friday 30th of June 2017

Happy Birthday, Leroy! It truly is a blessing every additional year (or month/week/day) we get with our seniors. Each dog contributes something different to our lives, and I love how Leroy has added to yours. Beautiful post! ♥

Jen

Wednesday 5th of July 2017

It really is and every time I look at them I feel so very blessed <3

Oilslick

Friday 30th of June 2017

Happy Birthday big boy!!!! Wishing you many more healthy years as well!

Jen

Wednesday 5th of July 2017

Thank you! :)

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