Happy Birthday Duke Ellington the dog!

Nearly three years ago, on the eve of Christmas Day 2007, this little baby beagle entered my life.  He was so small he could fit in my hands.  He had the most perfect puppy breath and the cutest little puppy potbelly.  He was 8 weeks old when I got him, so I guess-timated October 25th to be his birthday.  I named him Duke Ellington the dog.

I’ve helped to shape the dog he is today, and in many ways he has helped to shape me.  However, I take no responsibility for his baby-like tendencies; whining, whimpering, crying, sucking a blanket, etc. Those are characteristics of his distinct personality and not something I instilled in him at all.

As a beagle he loves to smell. Always with his nose to the ground, he is ever curious of every scent (though he favors dead, usually smelly things).  He is well-behaved, smart, and funny.  He’ll hardly make a noise except for when he sees my reflection in the mirror at night, his low growl turning into a beagle howl (Aroo!) at any sudden movements.

His repertoire of tricks include but are not limited to the following: sit, lay down, roll over, spin, jump, shake, shake w/ other paw, catching, playing dead, crawling, and waving his paw as though he were saying goodbye.

The Duke will love and keep on loving.  He is persistent on experiencing your nearness and likes to be as close as he possibly can to you at all time.  He is a constant reminder to maintain my own longing to be near to Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.  He is a great friend and my life is all the better for it.

So here’s to you, Duke Ellington the dog.  Happy Birthday! May there be many years to come…