525,600 minutes

 Yes, I did sing that as I wrote it!

Booker is now a year old.  We knew nothing about him coming into the world a year ago and that our lives would connect.

Cesar Millan - who I absolutely adore - says that we don't get the dog we want, we get the dog we need.  I'm not sure what the universe was thinking, but apparently we needed a challenge!

Our last puppy experience was Sisko.  And no doubt we had some puppy antics that kept us on our toes, but overall he was so easy!

Booker is still a wild child.  He is incredibly strong willed and stubborn.  We still have not figured out how to calm him, despite us using every tactic we have learned over the years.

He is the life of the party at all times, and can be exhausting.

He is also fun, silly and sweet and doesn't seem to have a mean bone in his body.

He has had a great year.  He's interacted with dogs, cats, chickens, horses and humans.  He is friendly and loves everyone he meets.  When we're out and about when a child comes up and asks to pet him, we say yes with no hesitation.

His first year involved playing in snow, riding in a kayak, climbing mountains, camping, swimming, running and so much more, and he has tackled every adventure with gusto!

He has brought a powerful energy to our household.  

For the next year it is my hope that we can help him control and focus some of that energy while keeping his strong and happy spirit.  And we hope to have many more adventures!

Happy Birthday, Booker!