A Boy and His Dog

A boy and his dog. What more basic, all American, country-livin' image could there be? I grew up in the city. Dogs never went anywhere without leashes. We played on the concrete sidewalks and the little bit of yard we had left after the swing set took up most of it. We didn't run through fields. We weren't able to play outside all day and never do the same thing twice. But, we didn't have ticks either!

Now, I live on 30 acres out in the middle of nowhere. And I love it. We have chickens for eggs, 5 ducks, 2 rabbits and 3 dogs for pets. But Blackie, this dog, is special. This is Jacob's dog. They are inseparable. Blackie will follow him wherever he goes. He even wants to sleep in his toddler bed.

This picture just reminds me of how much fun it is to have a son. It makes me so thankful we live in a place where Jacob can run and play and be safe. Where "urgent" things are never overtaken by the really important things, like playing with your dog, and riding the tractor with your Daddy.

I love watching my son chasing the chickens (even though he's not supposed to!). It's just adorable. Watching him being so care free and the exuberance with which he lives his little life, well, for a little while, all is right with the world.

Animals teach us so much. Responsibility, friendship, unconditional love. They also sometimes teach us about life and death. That's the tough part. Having the years of joy is worth it though. We've only had Blackie for about 2 months, and already I can't imagine what we would do without him. Jacob adores him. They play tug of war, they chase butterflies, they wrestle and run. And yes, they chase chickens. And I wouldn't have it any other way.