Happy Birthday...

...to most wonderful puppy around.

I remember when we first met. A little ball of energy that captured my heart in an instant.




We had some issues choosing a name for him the first week or so. I wanted to name him Jackson, a sophisticated name for dog. Dad had a couple of names for him. First, he wanted to name him Judge, because he's black, like a judge's robe. Then, thinking he'd be out boating more often than he actually has time for, he suggested Captain or Skipper. Theoretically, the dog would have been his sidekick. Catherine had another name in mind that obviously didn't stick and I really don't remember. We each called him what we wanted his name to be. He was very confused.



It did not take us long to realize that he loved to be around people. He always plants himself wherever the people happen to be. Whether that be in the living room, the kitchen or the bathroom. Most of the time this was okay. He didn't bother us and we liked having him around. But other times, he really was in the way. Right at your feet when you really needed him not to be. Hence the name that stuck: Tripper.



He loves to play, especially chase the birds/ squirrels, tug of war and tag.





Tripper is also a licker. He just can't keep that little tongue of his in his mouth. It doesn't matter if your toes or hands are exposed and accessible, if he can't reach those, he'll just lick your clothes. Weirdo.



He also has some bum-ish tendencies. He sleeps practically all day. He doesn't have to get up and go to work. His only (self-appointed) job is to keep the backyard free of birds and squirrels and cats, and that's hard to do when you're locked inside. As Josh would say, "bum, bum, bum!"



Happy 4th birthday, to Capitan Jackson Tripper.