Celebrating Sherman

Probably my most least blogged about Dog, but the reason I am who I am ...today, I celebrate Sherman.

Shermie's TDI certification came in the mail this week. Included was his collar tag...




And his ID badge...

For those of you who don't know much about Sherman, he was our first dog. My first dog as an adult. We adopted him from the Butler Co. Humane Society in August of 2001. This is a picture of Sherman the day we brought him home...weighing in at a svelte 38 lbs (he's now a "big boned" 53 lbs).

We thought he was a year old...actually we thought he was a puppy, but the Vet said at his first check-up that he was at least a year old. Fast forward 3 years later when the Vet says he's between 8-10 years old during a thyroid test. Two other Vets confirmed at the time he was a "senior" dog...so we now say he's 10 and he's staying 10 forever.

I've done a lot of complaining about Sherman...he's grumpy, he's bossy, he's pushy and he's a bully. But what I don't say enough is how wonderful he is. He's sweet, unassuming, calm, loving and the greatest dog that I've ever known. I love him with everything I am. I am so proud of what we've become together. I owe him more than I could ever repay.

He has the sweetest face in the world.

And the greatest smile.

He's content to just hang out.

Or show me his belly.

He has the softest ears ever.

And the kindest big brown eyes (althougth the look a bit freakish in this shot).

He's tolerated Lola.

And loves Penny, though he'll never admit it.

He's happiest when it's just me & him at the park..."hunting in the forest".

And he's the Leader of our little canine family.

So today I celebrate Sherman...for all that he is, for all that he's not & for all he's given to me.