Happy Birthday, Reyna!

I’ll admit it: six months ago, I didn’t think we’d see this day. But we made it! Today, Reyna turns 5 years old! The last year has been particularly difficult for her (although, possibly harder on me than her), but she’s handled each day in true Reyna fashion. To commemorate this milestone, we had a little party yesterday. A day early I know, but Mary was here for cropping, and so she helped us celebrate.

I showed Reyna the card that Mary brought, and she helped me open it.


Reyna was excited to realize that the card was from Bruno, Mary's GSD.


Mary also brought Reyna a wonderful present, wrapped in beautiful German Shepherd paper.


Both Reyna and Duncan were suitably impressed with Reyna's new stuffed duck.


We couldn't have a birthday party without a cake, of course, and the one Gourmutt's Bakery made for Reyna was absolutely perfect.


They even added a little bone at the top of the cake with a "5" written in yummy icing.


Gourmutt's also used oats instead of wheat for the cake, just to ensure Reyna didn't have any allergy problems.


And Duncan was so happy that Reyna was willing to share her cake.


Reyna had a lot of fun playing with the duck, especially squeezing it to make it quack. Mary commented that she hoped the noise wouldn't be too annoying for me. She needn't have worried - this morning, Reyna broke the quacker. The pups don't mind, though, because its still fun to carry around.


The next several months are going to be hard on all of us, but I have faith that we can make it through the upcoming surgery and recovery. This time next year, we'll have even more to celebrate, because the hard work will be behind us and Reyna will be feeling so much better.

Happy birthday, baby girl, and may we have many more years together!