Christmas 2009

Barcomb Family
2009
As twilight sets in both for 2009 and in life, I am reminiscent of this past year and the good life I have lived. This was my mom’s idea years ago when my comedic better half, Patches, was still with us, but I think he suffered from ADHD since he was never able to sit still for very long. There was always a leaf to chase or the UPS man, 3 blocks down, to bark at. I, however, not as quick-witted as my angel counterpart, am honored nonetheless as the family “pet”, to be putting pen to paper this year for the annual family Christmas letter. Yes, it is me, Solo, the dog! For all you non-dog lovers out there, this is your cue to roll your eyes. And as a side note, I would just like to say that I find the term “pet” highly offensive and believe it better suited for goldfish and not to reference such a superior being as myself. After all, need I remind all of you what dog spells backwards? (Sorry my feline friends, but the truth hurts!)

So to begin with, this letter is somewhat of an anniversary addition. This past May, my mom & dad celebrated their 10 year anniversary. Before I was even a twinkle in my breeder’s eye, our family was formed. First there was Patches, the charter member of the family, and then about a year later I came to live with them. I wasn’t a pup like Patches had been, but they took me in and loved me as if I had been. I had a ruff (pardon the pun) start in life, but after my first meeting with them and their black & white fur-ball, I knew I had found my forever home. Then came the human children and although they put a crimp in both Patches & my way of life, I love them both like they were my own pups. After all, human children are better than an all-you-can eat buffet… they have food coming out of their pores!

Ok, so mom got a little long-winded last year, so I’ll try to make this short and sweet and hopefully be done in time for my daily 23-hour nap (hey, a girl needs her beauty sleep). So here goes… This year had many tail-wagging moments and although I may not have been witness to everything, the family dog knows all (believe me!).

First off, my mom is still staying at home with me… oh yeah and those human kids too. It has been a little quieter this year with Lexi being in school all day, but unfortunately mom is at school more now too volunteering her time and doing more stuff with Hunter, which means more alone time for me. I’m counting the months now until Hunter goes off to preschool and I get mom all to myself again! Oh the belly rubs and ear scratches that are coming my way! Dad is still working for Blue Mountain Telecom, going on ten years now. He’s still on the road quite a bit, but someone’s got to pay for my premium kibble. After all, only the best for the writer in the family!

As for those cute-annoying-loveable-pains in the tail kids, they are getting bigger and brighter. I was thrilled when earlier this year, Hunter, found the stash of dog treats in the garage and started supplementing my meals. Unfortunately mom discovered our arrangement and immediately put a kibosh on that. The eldest, Lexi, is now 6 years old and in first grade this year. She looks a little funny… kind of like what our jack-o-lantern looked like on Halloween, but is still going to cause mom & dad problems with the boys in a few years. Earlier this year she took a break from ice-skating to pursue competitive cheerleading. She is the youngest on her competitive team and quite good I think if her constant tumbling, and occasional kicks in the head to the family dog, are any indication. The baby of the family, Hunter, will be 4 in a few short weeks and will be starting preschool next fall. I think he is the only other person besides me who follows mom around like she’s the president of the United States and he’s the secret service, only better… at least he checks I.D. before allowing admittance! (Sorry, I’m not particularly political, but I am still a little miffed at the President for adopting a Portuguese Water Dog?!? instead of the number one dog in America… the Labrador Retriever, of course. It’s a little pretentious if you ask me!)

And finally, we come to the star of the family… me! As I stated in the opening paragraph, I am nearing the latter part of what has been a great life. I will be 10 this next July, keeping with our 10-year theme. And hope I have several more good years left before meeting up with my Patches. I have lumps & bumps and gray hair too and I don’t get around like I used to, but I am still a puppy at heart and love my family dearly.

In closing, and on behalf of my human family members, I would like to wish all of you a very merry Christmas and health and happiness in the New Year! And ask that you give thanks and praise to those four-legged creatures in your life that give you so much unconditional love and loyalty in return for an occasional ear scratch or belly rub. May God bless you all! Tail wags and licks. XOXO
From yours truly,
Solo, the dog (and the rest too ~ Dan, Angie, Lexi & Hunter Barcomb)

Peace out…