Day 1565

When did the puppies get So BIg???? Charlie and Hank are not quite nine months old and they are quickly catching up to Uncle Sam in size. I do believe they will grow to be bigger than their uncle before they are done!

We watch our babies grow, whether two- or four-legged, but never see the actual daily changes. If we could film them each day, and speed the film up, that might work, but growth is slow and nearly invisible. Once the physical growing is complete, the emotional, cognitive and psychological growth continue for a lifetime. Even though physical disabilities can change the course of a life, the hidden changes can be even more of a challenge.

Nurturing the growth within is often viewed from the outside circle in a judgmental way. Are families going the extra-mile by providing experiences, lessons, and opportunities to travel? Is education a priority? Are they sleeping, eating and exercising by the current guidelines? Are they being exposed to positive social encounters? Although these questions are directed at humans, it could also apply to my Goldens!

So many ingredients need to be added to our young and nurtured for the rest of our lives. It is my belief that the most important thing to mix into the recipe is love. If decisions and choices are made with love as the guiding force, the rest will stir in rather nicely!

For Charlie and Hank, love does guide our way..they are so very easy to love!