By Wenda Grabau
February, though a short month, is known for several notable things. Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays are among them. Valentine’s Day, another occasion, is included in the mix of memorable dates, reminding us of special people to whom we can express our love. This year our shortest month of the year has an extra day, giving us another leap year.
Have you heard of the term, “Puppy Love”? What does that bring to your mind? Today it brings to my mind… our new puppy.
We lost our one-year-old dog due to a car accident in November. He was full of energy and loved to be with people. We have missed his happy greeting each time we drive into our yard.
In his absence and with the coming of Christmas, two of our daughters saw the need and the opportunity to show us their love by finding a new puppy to introduce on Heritage Farm. They found him in the coulee region south of La Crosse. He came from a litter of 10 pups. He was one of the last two furry canines on that farm.
This little creature wags his tail ferociously and his roly-poly appearance is endearing. He loves to be petted and for us to talk to him.
Our new pet has been getting acquainted with the barn and the rest of the farm. He is learning his limits and safe zones. His greatest companion is my husband who hopes to train him to serve as a cow dog in the future.
Our grandchildren liked our other dog, but this little guy is less overbearing in his enthusiasm to make friends of them. Puppy kisses can catch the children off-guard, but he just makes them laugh.
His youth is attractive, but his lack of judgment can be a concern. This doggy source of joy for us is a responsibility. We hope that the future with him will bring us companionship, fun, and the benefit of a good working farm dog.
Puppies need attention. Just loving him is not enough; he will require time spent with him in order to develop his potential.
Isn’t that just like life? Family relationships and friendships need attention, love, and time spent with the ones who love them. Then they, too, can develop to their full potential.
Take thought for how you can express your love to family and friends. Attention, commitment of time and yourself just might be the ticket to your true enjoyment, fun, and working relationship with those around you.
All of this “puppy talk” brings to my mind a recipe I made, not for puppies, but for my children to eat when they were young. You will find it a tasty addition to your recipe box.
Puppy Chow
1 stick of margarine (butter tastes better)
1 cup chocolate chips
½ cup creamy peanut butter
8-10 cups Crispix cereal (Rice Chex will do nicely.)
2 cups powdered sugar.
1. Melt margarine, chocolate chips, and peanut butter together.
2. Pour over cereal mix until coated.
3. Put coated cereal in a gallon container with sugar and shake until the cereal is covered with sugar.
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