I've been looking forward to posting Cole's annual "report" again this year.  Every year I think, OK, now this is Cole, I really know who he is - and every year so far he has changed some. 

 

This year two things stand out.  First, and I relate this to Adie's new off leash freedom, Cole is really having fun.  He just bounces when I put on my walking shoes, and if I don't he announces that the time has come for a walk.  It's really been a dog's best day all summer for Cole.  He and Adie run together, wallow in the mud together, pounce on the smells together and Cole just grins!  I'm grinning, too, because Cole responds with Adie when I want a "here" or a "leave it".  Plus there is nothing prettier to me than seeing those two running through the tall grass and wild flowers. 

 

AND I wish you could see him at the dog park!   He just has so much fun.  He bucks and prances and greets every body - two and four legged. He soaks a bit in Rapid Creek, comes out like those videos I've seen of Grizzly Bears, then is off bucking and prancing and TALKING across the park again.

 

 

The other thing that stands out, is the way Cole continues to become a force in his life (some thing I appreciate most during those moments when I feel like a passenger in mine!)  Watching that ability to influence/control events develop over the past three years has been a bit like seeing Maslow's Hierarchy - dog style.  Initially Cole took no active role in his life - if he didn't like it he just curled up.  Now he knows he can make things happen, like with the walks and dinner time.  The last development has been finding his own way to initiate play with us.  He is so silly with the head shaking prance and the wookie talk that I can't help but smile and join a game with him. 

 

He is a wonder and joy.  I hope to be boring you with annual updates on Cole for many years to come!
  Kristi with Adie and Cole