Letter Home

Dear Mom and Praxis,

It has been three weeks since I left on rotation to my breeder. I am sorry it has taken me so long to write you, but to be fair you only taught me to read and forgot all about the writing part. I will bring you up to date on what has been happening in my life, but I think you’d better sit down first.

I’m doing pretty well now. The broken leg and concussion I sustained after jumping out the car window to chase a squirrel has pretty much healed. I only spent a weekend at the vet and now I can almost walk in a straight line again and I only see birds flying in circles a few times a day. Fortunately, my mad dash was witnessed by a cute blonde who is twice my age. She thinks I'm a stud and has been licking my wounds like a perfect nurse. She even invited me home to sleep in the crate next to her. She is a gorgeous girl, but so are all the women here. Is it weird that I love them and yet I’m related to most of them? Yesterday, I asked her to marry me but she said it was just puppy love. At least I tried to make an honest woman of her before she starts to show. Her last mate lives out on the porch and might be the real father or maybe it's this other stud I met out in the yard today. Anyway, it doesn't really matter since she plans to sell all the children, just like she did with her last 20. Sorry Prax, I know you would've loved being an Uncle.

Now that I've brought you up to speed, I want to tell you that there was no squirrel, I did not break my leg, I was not at the vet, and I’m not going to be a father (although fingers crossed there will be puppies here soon). However, there are several stunning temptresses here who are driving my teenage boy hormones crazy and rendering me a howling fool - literally. I just wanted you to see this indiscretion with the proper perspective and understand that a guy can only take so much rejection, so… SURPRISE I’ll be waiting on your doorstep come Monday.

Oh yeah and with all that other guide dog stuff that doesn't have to do with girls, I've been a very good boy.

Love,

Merit

Goodbye Big Bro

To my big brother, Merit:

We haven’t known each other very long but I want you to know that I will always remember you.

I've watched you a lot over this past month and the more I've gotten to know you, the more I aspire to become just like you some day.

I am so proud to be your little brother.

All of the good choices you make and how attentive you are makes me believe in the enormous impact one puppy can have on someone's life.

So many things go on around you every day, but you never get dragged in. Instead, you focus on your job and take pride in your achievements.

When put to the test, you rise to the occasion and never back down from a challenge.

I am so proud to be your little brother.

I know that you have an important role in life.

You were born with a destiny and every day you hold your head high and work your hardest to make sure everyone knows why you’re here.

You have a gift to change lives and I can only imagine the wonderful ways you will learn to use it.

I am so proud to be your little brother.

Some dogs discover their purpose early on while others wander aimlessly for years, but I know in my heart, soul and mind that you have found yours.

I am so proud to be your little brother.

Hold onto what you know, because losing it is not allowed.

As you leave me, I know you will be fine. This will never be my worry.

While people tell me that someday, I’m going to be somebody, I already know you are someone.

I am so proud to be your little brother.

We both have so much more to learn and I am sad that you must leave me in order to help you be better for your future partner.

Promise me that you will keep your eyes open and not let anything pass you by.

You are a great dog and will continue to grow greater, as long as you continue to try.

I am so proud to be your little brother.

I love you, Merit.

If I could be just like you, I wouldn't mind one bit.

I am so proud to be your little brother.

As you go off to a new home, you will do wonderful. This everyone knows.

Don’t look back, just remember – I am so proud to be your little brother.

Love,

Praxis

PS – Please don’t come back too soon. I think I’m really going to enjoy being the favorite around here. ;)