Chester is 5!

Yesterday was Chester's fifth birthday. It's hard to believe that five years ago, my friend Robin and I drove the (brand new) Mini to Spandalem, Germany, to visit a brand new litter of Beagle puppies. When the breeder brought in the two males, Robin and I politely informed the lady that we weren't here for the hamsters. We're here for BEAGLES! (Picture us saying that slowly and clearly, just in case there was a language issue here).

The breeder said that these WERE Beagles, and that they were one or two days old. Their eyes were sealed shut, and they just sucked on our fingers. We could hold both of them in one hand. I chose Chester because he had a cute little white mark on his back and because he didn't cry as much as his brother.
But now Chester is all grown up, and has all but forgotten his old German commands. It seems I have too. Funny how that happens.
His birthday gifts were a raccoon stuffed animal and a raw hide. He graciously accepted both with sincere thanks. Such a good dog.

Once, a long time ago, I think Bob and I were engaged at this point, I told his parents: "We MIGHT have kids some day, but we'll NEVER get a dog." How silly I was. Once you know the love of a dog, and really love it back, I'm not sure life is really complete.

Happy Birthday, Chester!