Our Furball of Joy

Taking care of this fluffy goofball is no easy task, but coming home everyday to this bundle of joy is worth it all. Meet Ninja. He is an abnormally long Siberian Husky, weighing at 58 lbs (yes, he is just mostly fur). He has beautiful brown eyes (like ours!) and a magic fur coat that just keeps on giving. He has been with us since he was a puppy and today's the day he turns 4! He has been such a blessing in our lives and we have learned so much just by loving and caring for this furry baby. He is always up to something and we always end up with hilarious stories to tell.

Since he is turning 4 today, here are 4 life lessons I've learned from Ninja:

1. Things are just things.

Sometimes you are reminded of how fleeting things are when you come home to the remains of your favorite pair of shoes. Shoes are things. I have learned to not get attached to them.

2. Encouragements are powerful.

Time and time again, I have seen Ninja overcome his fear of shiny floors, stairs, and even his own poop! Every time he is faced with an obstacle, a simple "You are okay. You can do it!" would be enough for him to conquer the fear at the moment. So don't be surprised if you ever hear me say, "You are okay. You can do it!" That's just my way of encouraging you. 

3. There's value in perseverance.

Ninja was a tiny terror when he was a puppy. He was not your average "awwww" puppy, he was our "eeeekkk" puppy. We can write out all the unwanted behaviors but we will spare you from that list. We were in over our heads and we even thought about giving up. But I am so glad we didn't. If we had, we would've missed out on all the awesome things that Ninja brings to our family. Looking back, I wouldn't trade a single moment, including those terrible ones. I think all of Ninja's rebelliousness forced us to love him even more. As someone very wise once said to me, "the hardest to love are often the ones that need love the most." I can now proudly say that Ninja is one of the sweetest and most loving dogs you will ever meet. 

4. Sometimes people should love more like dogs. 

Dogs are fiercely loyal. They love you unconditionally and they are one of the most forgiving creatures on earth. They are always ready to welcome you, excited to hang out with you, and always interested in what you are doing. They stay by your side when you are feeling down and they are ready to defend you when they sense you in trouble. They don't love you less for forgetting to take them out or leaving them home all day long. If people love that unconditionally, I think the world would be a better place. 

So with that I will end. Happy birthday, Ninja boy! Stay young!