And this cannot go unmentioned.

Today is our beloved Beagle, Berkeley's birthday. Berkeley is 5 years old today and yes, he is named after the college. No, I did not go there. I just liked the name. Please don't mistake him for that floppy dog on Sesame Street, "Barkley".

Berkeley has a very befitting name. He is a very good dog, and he loves his Grandma Johnson. Berkeley and I have a very interesting relationship. He has learned to communicate to me what he wants. For instance, when his food dish is empty and he is hungry, he can't very well open the food container and scoop himself a helping. (Something about poseable thumbs?) He will come up to me, tail wagging, with an earnest and wanting look on his face, and give me the slightest "woof".

Now this "woof" could mean several things. First it's "Mom, I have a problem and I need you to help me." I will get up from my desk, and he will most certainly follow, and investigate the food and water situation. If the food dish is empty, I will fill it up. Sometimes though, the food is in the dish it's just that his dish is not in the proper place. A little high falootin' I know, but that's what he likes!

The other night he came and got me to tell me that his water was unacceptable. I went and investigated and there was a live cricket in the water dish. Well, I wouldn't want a cricket in my drink either and what the heck business did that cricket have IN my house? Problem solved and all was right again in the land of Berkeley.

So Berkeley, happy 5th birthday puppy. I know he is no longer a puppy, but we call him one anyway.