Six years ago today, Zeke was born.
Who knew?
- That a dog would eat (and enjoy) carrots, broccoli and cauliflower? (Incredible. Better eating habits than the kids.)
- That a dog could steal chewing gum from the counter top, unwrap it and eat it? (How?)
- That a dog would bark, snarl and snap at the King of the Household to protect the others? (Why bite the hand that earns the cash that buys the food that feeds you? Repeatedly?)
- That a dog would know every day at high noon, it’s Peanut Butter in Plastic Kong time? (How?)
- That a dog would sleep under the covers at your feet, every single night? And then move up to share your pillow later on at night? (Who needs central heating in the winter? Or a comforter for that matter?)
- That a dog could be so afraid of Andie, the black and brown tabby cat? (Come on Zeke. Man-up.)
- That a dog could spot anything in the sky but would miss a deer 20 yards in front of him?
- That a dog would lie down in front of his Momma, lift his paws one by one, and let her clip his toe nails. And then do a full-body wiggle between her legs after it was all done? (King’s Dog enjoys pedicures. Something very wrong here.)
- That a dog without a heavy coat (and no undercoat) would prefer to romp around in sub freezing temperatures rather than in the steamy humidity of mid-August? (Why?)
- That a dog could be so short-tempered when he was tired? (Hmmmm. Wonder where he picked this up?)
- That a dog could be so motivated by food, jumping at the crack of the lid of a container of nuts, the opening of the fridge door, or the sound of the knife on the cutting board. (Another characteristic acquired from his owner?)
- That a dog could be so restless, on the move following you everywhere. (NOW, I understand the term “velcro breed.”)
- That a dog could be so much work…walks…bathroom breaks…vets…play time… (The increase in the number of dogs and cats dumped at shelters in the months after being gifted at Christmas is 40% and 80% respectively. There are an estimated 5,000,000 animals in shelters. ~70% are euthanized. The irresponsibility of many is sickening.)
- That a dog could sit so stoic next to the kitchen table watching me eat. (With Guilt washing over me. Don’t look at him. Don’t do it.)
- That a dog demands (whines, paws, scratches at me) after dinner EACH night to play keep away with his porcupine – running around and around the couch – impossible to catch – until I’ve had enough. (Doesn’t this get old? Apparently not. The show goes on. Who’s the animal now?)
- That a dog would run to bring you a present when you come home from work each night. (A slipper. A shoe. A sock. Underwear. The remote control.)
Who knew that a dog could bring so much joy to a family?
Happy Birthday Zeke.
Related Posts on Zeke here.
Live & Learn 
And all of that was totally unconditional with love 🙂
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So true Bill…
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Happy Birthday lovely Zeke! You are one of the lucky dogs in the world. Blessing and Happiness with your family, Thanks and Love, nia
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🙂 Thank you Nia.
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Happy birthday Zeke!
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What a wonderful tribute to Zeke. Enjoy your special special day. And may more. – DogDaz
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Thank you Lorian. Let’s hope so.
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I am amazed by Zeke and by you. Thank you!
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🙂 Thanks Ann.
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This is a wonderful post – thank you. You are each blessed to have the other in your lives.
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Thank you Theresa. We are…
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We have Opus, just turned 15. He watches the squirrels now instead of running after them, and spends more time in naps than “keep away,” but he still stares as I eat, and still wants a daily walk, and still is full of warmth and affection. Life doesn’t get any better.
Happy Birthday, Zeke!
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I can see Opus now as you describe him Larry. Thank you for sharing. I agree…it doesn’t get any better.
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Dog is an epitome of love and loyal. Count your blessings, Dave. Happy WoofDay, Z.
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Dog is the epitome of all that Perpetua. Thank you.
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Love it! I got JT to eat 3 bites of roasted carrots that were cooked in Ham juices before she knew she had been duped 🙂
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Funny. Zeke is never duped, he’ll eat anything…vacuum it up.
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Our girl is so silly always worried I will poison her 🙂
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If she only knew how silly that was. 🙂
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🙂 Yes seems she has memories of me giving her medicine 😦
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Happy Birthday Zeke! Alex loves you. You’re the greatest!!
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Smiling. Alex does love him. 🙂
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Lucky pup! Lucky you! Happy Birthday Zeke-man!
MJ
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He is. We are. Thanks MJ
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ZEKE! Happy Birthday, Buddy!
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:)…thanks Len.
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I love this. I miss my dog, Nicky, every day. He was such a wonderful part of our lives for 16 wonderful years.
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Thank you Maralee. Sorry to hear about Nicky. Not looking forward to that day for us…
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Happy Birthday Zeke! I’m reading unconditional love in abundance in your household, David…lucky Zeke and lucky you. Thanks for sharing your sweet story of love. 🙂
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🙂 Thanks Carol!
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Zeke is one lucky dog! Pets are a lot of work, but I can’t imagine life without them. Happy Birthday Zeke!
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He is one lucky dog. And you are right Debra, can’t imagine life without him…Thank you.
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Happy BD Zeke…sounds like a treasure of a dog and a companion!!!!
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He is Ilene, thank you.
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As Edith Wharton so wisely observed, “My little dog — a heartbeat at my feet.” These animals really are our hearts. So glad that you and Zeke have one another. Happy Birthday, beautiful boy! 🙂
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Love that Edith Wharton saying…so captures it. Thanks Lori.
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Ah Zeke, you beautiful, wonderful boy – happy birthday!! So glad you’re keeping your dad on his un-pedicured toes! And happier still that you’re so loved..
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Laughing. It is bizarre (how he likes it). I’m still wobbled by it. 🙂
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Happy birthday Zeke lucky dog
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Hi Olga. He is…We are…
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We have a 7’oclock B … the dogs sit in front of us every night at the same time. Not a word is said, nor a clock looked at…but we all KNOW what time it is!
Happy Birthday Zeke!
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I find it amazing how wired their internal clocks are. Thanks Claudia.
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happy birthday zeke. you are the surprise gooey filling at the center of your family’s cake.
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He is! 🙂
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I’m sure Zeke is having a wonderful day. What would we do without our pets?
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Not sure Anneli. Every day seems to be a wonderful day for Zeke (except when the family leaves him alone for a few hours or vacation) 🙂
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Bumble, the oldie, had his 13th birthday on Dec 1. He sits here with me reading the blogs and says happy birthday to Zeke, the youngster 🙂
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Awwwwww, Bumble loves reading blog posts too. Wonderful!
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He’s lucky to have a wonderful family as much as the Kanigans are lucky to have him. May he celebrate many more birthdays with you!
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Thank you Peggy! 🙂
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Happy Birthday Zeke! My Boston wait every morning by the Vitamix while I make my veggie shake for their veggies of the day. They love them all
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Morning Veggie Shakes….Not bad!
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Our animal families. Vital. Maddening. Healing.
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So true Sandy
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…that a dog would be so lucky to have a friend like you!!!!! Happy Birthday, Zeke! 🙂
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Awwwww, thanks Marina.
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A bundle of pleasure to you and your family.
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He is Alex, thanks.
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Zeke is a Capricorn–that explains everything! (I am too, by the way). Happy Birthday, Zeke!
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Wow, what a leap that is. And I’m not sure what it explains but I’ll take your word for it.
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🙂
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He looks such a softy!! 😀 My family dog loved raw vegetables too, especially carrots. She would howl, if anyone mentioned ‘carrots’ and then didn’t come up with any! If only children craved the raw foods! 😀
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So funny. I can hear him howling!
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What a beautiful dog he was, David. ❤
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He was, thanks Carolyn.
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