Day 1409

Genetics fascinate me. Here you have Uncle Sammy with his two nephews. Charlie resembles his uncle (Mama is Sam’s sister), while Hank seems to favor his father. Their personalities are emerging, and they both continue to be sweet and gentle.

One of my favorite pastimes is to sit in a public area (the Magic Kingdom works just fine for me) and observe family units. Of course, there are many physical traits that are similar, but their facial expressions, actions, and hand gestures line up as well.

Having made that not-so-new observation, I have also watched human families, who have chosen adoption, present in much the same way. Although their physical appearance is often not similar, their mannerisms fall in line as a family unit. There is a doctoral study just waiting to be launched!

To me, it illustrates the old “nurture/nature” debates. Nature gives biological children their mama’s smile, but where do they REALLY develop their personality, reactions or ethical code? My true sense is that, most often, the genetic/nature part is the raw bread dough while the nurture influence is what you add to the dough as you knead it, add ingredients and bake it.

With Charlie and Hank, we know they are genetically linked…closely! Now it is up to us to nurture them so they grow into beautiful Therapy Dogs. With their “nature," the rest should come easily!