3!

Early morning near Moab
October 2012

Today is Eden's third birthday.  We started the day with a trail run and when I left for work she was sunbathing on the deck.  Sounds like a great birthday to me.  I'm guessing she wishes for something more to guard, but overall she seems to be adapting to companion-dog status pretty well.  It is not unheard of for her to join us in bed while we nap or lay down in Logan's room while we read books and sing songs before bed.

It is hard to believe that we've had Eden for almost three years.  It is hard to believe that we still have Eden.  It's hard to believe many things about this dog - like her size, strength and grace; her ability to pick just one of her own chew toys out of the pantry when the door is left open; her patience and awareness of Logan and his friends; the fact that she can be off leash and, most of the time, return reliably; the fact that I don't cry because of her behavior anymore - it sure felt like that would never end at the time.  Brian and I were just laughing the other night about the times we chased her around the yard trying to get her to come inside (one time for 3 hours).  She had to have been laughing at us the entire time.  I would have been.

At any rate, with a lot of work, this stubborn, independent, smart pup has turned into a good family dog.  She accompanies me on my pre-dawn runs (coyotes beware!), goes climbing with us (in remote locations) and even snuggles once in awhile.  Despite her ability to counter surf with four paws on the floor, she understands what is hers and what is ours.  Don't get me wrong, she still lives up to her name, Eden J. Stinklepants, and requires a "time-out" every now and again, but she is nice to have around.  Happy Birthday, Girl.  Hope you enjoy your time with us as we do with you.

Below C'est La Vie in Eldorado Canyon
January 2010