There are two birthdays in our family this week: mine and Susie’s, our wonderful Labrador Retriever. Usually when February rolls around I’ll mention to my youngest son that it’s the beginning of a special month, and he’ll burst into a big smile and call the dog to remind her it’s her birthday month. Then with a grin he’ll add something like:  Oh, yeah, it’s your birthday month, too, isn’t it, Mom?

This year, since my birthday fell on the same day as the Super Bowl, we decided to invite some family members over for a pre-game meal and to watch some of the game together. My husband ordered a cake, I ordered some Italian beef and side dishes and we looked forward to the day.

Then this morning my husband made the astute observation that even though we’ll surely celebrate Susie’s birthday as well, she had no idea we’d arranged for guests to come. When they arrive, he said, she’ll be excited and happy, as if it were a surprise birthday party just for her.

And so she was. Every party is a surprise party for her!

Dogs may have some sense of anticipation—Susie certainly knows when it’s time to be fed, and she waits at the door for her best buddy, my youngest son, to come home at the end of the school day. But she never seems to anticipate anything bad. She even wags her tail to see the vet, the same vet who neutered her and gives her a shot every so often. She simply takes joy in the moments at hand rather than fretting about what’s to come.

While this weekend’s gathering was one of the easiest parties I’ve ever hosted, since most of the food was either purchased or brought in (my daughter brought a lovely salad we all enjoyed) I still had details to tend and preparations to make. I fretted a little anyway.

So I decided the older I get, the more I need to think like my dog. Anticipate only the good stuff and not even register the worries of life.

May this be a week when you think like a dog!

By the way, last week’s winners have all been notified and books have been mailed—all except for Debbie C. – so if you’re reading this, Debbie, let me know!

Debbie C.

Kristie

Brenda

Erin

Cheri

Congratulations!