Before April Ends!

Before April ends, I have to post about yet ANOTHER April birthday at our house. This time, it was for Todd who is now 13 years old. Thirteen years old ... can you believe it? 

Each year I have tried to take this same photo of Todd, sitting at the same place at the table, wearing the same birthday hat with a big cookie. At some point, I'll make a collage of them all.

Looking back on those photos, I've not seen the changes in Todd that you'd see in a Lab or Golden. However this year, I am seeing one. But maybe it's just his 'really bad haircut.' (grrrrrr!) Or on the flip side, maybe it's knowing that this past year wasn't his best as we dealt with his allergies and injury in January. 

Whatever it is, through it all, there remains a quiet dignity about Todd. And he is still one of the most loyal dogs we've ever owned. He's also just as spirited, feisty, independent, and stubborn as he's always been -- I will add that Todd will do what we ask of him, especially if there’s a treat involved. 

But there are times when asking Todd to do something is met with a lot of backtalk (barking) as he does what he really doesn't want to. He does tolerate what and sometimes who he doesn’t like –  But he is more open to my affection than he has been in previous years, and loves a good massaging backrub -- But who doesn't love that? 

At 13 years old, Todd is still as utterly fearless as he has always been -- That said, he's not so quick to judge newcomers as he once was. He still enjoys spending time outside on the porch napping and watching the world go by as he protects his turf from the marauding herd of deer -- that by the way has grown to about 12 in the last year. 

I think that sometimes it’s not easy being Todd. But aside from a few things, as a Scottish Terrier, I don't think he'd have it any other way.