Today, Henry celebrates his 6th birthday! The boys are just one week apart in age and they have been causing a ruckus with us since Benny was 13 weeks old and Henry was 12 weeks old. Like I did with Benjamin & Luna, I would like to share some of the things that Henry has taught me over the years.
It’s OK to ask for help
Because of his hip dysplasia, Henry has never been much of a jumper, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to get up on things. While Benjamin and Luna easily leap onto things like the bed, Henry quietly sits by the edge of the bed and politely asks for a helping hand. We are always more than willing to help him out.
Sometimes, we just can’t do it all by ourselves. And if you ask for a little help, people are usually more than happy to oblige.
Blaze your own trail
When we lived in Maryland, we frequently went to a park where we could hike through the woods. When we would get to a certain point, we would let Benjamin & Henry off their leash. Benjamin, always stayed right with us and trotted along the beaten path with us. But, Henry, however, was always making his own way. The path was boring and he would always stray to the right or the left of the trail to see the sights that others missed by following the tried and true way.
To this day, he is still like that. He will always choose the path less traveled.
Stretch
Henry starts every morning with a big stretch. Just when I am about to move him to make the bed, he gives me a big ‘ole stretch. What a way to start the day. With a little something just for you before you are consumed by the stress of the day.
Think Things Through
Henry is not a pug to jump to conclusions. He likes to make sure he is right. For example, if someone is in the kitchen, Benjamin and Luna will come running. Henry, on the other hand, will wait and watch and listen to what you are doing. If he hears sounds like bowls clanking or the treat jar opening, he will come running, but he isn’t one to jump to conclusions.
While it is easy to be overcome by excitement. It’s still a good idea to think things through because things aren’t always as they seem.
It’s not about being the best, it’s about doing what you love
Henry loves to swim and out of the three pugs he is by far the worst swimmer. Benjamin and Luna could swim laps around him, but neither one of them really want anything to do with the water. Henry certainly doesn’t like to swim because he is superstar swimmer. He swims because he likes splashing around in the water.
There have been so many things that I have given up on or not even tried because I knew I wouldn’t be any good at them. Henry has helped me learn that it isn’t always about being the best. It is about doing what you like to do because it brings you happiness.
Now that they are six (almost six in Henry’s case. Today is Henry’s last day as a 5 year old) their late night bone chewing marathons really take a toll on them in the morning. They sure aren’t teenagers anymore!
In keeping with the boys’ birthday celebrations, I thought I would pull a photo from the archives for this week’s Caption This. Here we have Benjamin and Henry at about a year old gazing out the front door in Maryland.
One of the things that I love the most about Baby Benny is his cowlicks. He has a cowlick on each one of his shoulders.
They line up almost exactly and I am always tempted at Halloween to buy one of those gag arrow through the head costumes for Benny with the arrow of course lining up with his cowlicks. That way, I could say that Benny was shot by Cupid’s arrow. Cupid being our cat, of course.
I know it has been a long, rough winter for many of you, but hopefully signs of better weather are starting to show up here and there. My question for all you pug lovers out there is what are you most looking forward to doing with your pug this Spring?
Here are some of the things I am looking forward to doing with Benjamin, Henry & Luna:
Swimming: The pool water should be warm enough for swimming soon. Weekend afternoons splashing around in the pool are my favorite.
The Beach: It is warm enough to go to the beach now, but the ocean water is still too chilly for me. I love going to the beach with the pugs and floating with Henry, up and down over the waves, on the boogie board.
Long walks: Spring is good weather for the pugs because it is not too hot. As soon as summer comes along we have to cut our walks way short because it is just too hot for the puggies.
Playing in the yard: In good weather, after work, I like to grab an insane amount of toys and plop them in the backyard. Benny, Henry & Luna run around, chasing each other and picking up toys that are in their path. Plus, since none of the pugs are any good at fetch, it gives me lots of toys to throw to have them chase without me having to constantly fetch the toy myself.
Today is Baby Benny’s Birthday. Despite my disbelief, Benny is turning 6 years old today! It is hard for me to believe as it seems like only yesterday that I was bringing home this little bundle of energy.
Keeping with the tradition I started on Luna’s birthday, I would like to share a few of the things I have learned from Benny over the years.
Be who you are
Benny is about as quirky as they come. He likes to hang out with Puffy, he has to go potty after he eats even though he just went potty, he thrives on routines, obsesses about the little things and has an odd fear of sewers and drains. But, he’s OK with that. That is who he is and he accepts it. All those things make him not just a pug, but make him Baby Benny.
Be twice as beautiful on the inside
Benny is cute and he knows it. If I had a dollar for every time someone has asked us if we are interested in breeding him, Benjamin would be set for treats for the rest of his life. But, it’s not his wrinkly good looks that I love the most. It is his gentle soul. Benjamin wouldn’t harm a fly and he has a way about him that shows you he is all about spreading love and pug kisses.
Have Fun
Benjamin has taught me that sometimes we just have to let loose and run around the sofa. Life is too short to be serious all the time. We have to find something we love that helps break up the monotony of the day and make sure to make time to do it - and not feel guilty about it.
Be proud of yourself and accept compliments
Tell Benny he is a good boy and you will see him smile. He doesn’t try to diminish the compliment. He accepts it and feels proud of himself.
I have had a few neighbors over the years tell me that Benny looks so proud when he is out on a walk and I have to agree. Benny goes from point A to point B with his head held high and his chest out. He is proud to be Baby Benny.
