Exactly one year ago, Louis Reginald, the instigator for Cup of Dog,
was born. He looked more like a little hamster then a puppy. Ryan, my husband and I were in love with this little nugget of a puppy.
Less then two weeks later, Ryan and I had placed a deposit and eagerly awaited his weaning. At 13 weeks old, he came to live with us.
After weeks of anticipation and preparation, we were still completely unprepared for what was in store for us. The enormity of the responsibility was all of a sudden overwhelming to us both. It seems like just yesterday Louis’ dad and I were standing outside of our Lakeshore Drive apartment in chilly Chicago, pleading with Louis to ‘go’ on the grass, rather then in the apartment, at 3 o’clock in the morning.
Since, we have learned we cannot reason with him (he is a dog, after all) instead, we worked on his obedience and house training and slowly, he began to get it. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not easy to housebreak!
At one year old, he is a small for a Cavalier, weighing in at 12 lanky pounds of pure love. His adult long coat has yet to come in and he looks a lot younger then his age. He came to us with a tail equal in length to his body, which we thought he would grow into. He hasn’t, the tail grew along with the dog. People stop us on walks all the time to comment on his extra long tail. I think he is perfect. It’s possible he will keep growing and fill in, but it doesn’t matter.
At one year, he has matured into a beautiful dog, a patient
older brother to Ella Bean, and a best friend. Looking back at his early puppy-hood, I could not imagine that he would be the dog he has become. He has won the hearts of his whole family, even those who aren’t dog people.
Louis has taught me all about canine nutrition, homeopathy, naturopathy and he has opened my world to alternative modalities to achieve wellness.
He is also the world’s best cuddler and he can regularly be found snoozing up against Ella Bean, me or Ryan.
In honor of his birthday, I have prepared a special meal of raw venison parts, beef tripe and other goodies. Ella Bean will surely partake in the festive meal!
Louis has changed my life in infinite ways, as many dogs do with their people. The responsibility I feel toward him is colossal. I take great pride in caring for both my dogs. Louis makes me smile all the time (not the easiest of feats), comforts me when I’m in pain and challenges me to be stronger and more confident.
I know that everyone believes that their own dog is the best ever, but I can confidently say that Louis embodies the spirit in the saying that ‘dogs are man’s best friend.’
Above all, Louis has taught me about being connected to another living being. He follows me from room to room, we do almost everything together.
Cup of Dog wishes Louis the best birthday ever and I promise that year two will be bigger and better then before!
Louis at one year.
Birthday Cake pictured above made by Haute Diggity Dog and available for purchase at www.hautediggitydog.com.
Cup of Dog is absolutely thrilled to celebrate our new, improved site design!
