Hayden is 8 years old ; really 56 with a bad knee

On Monday my sweet Hayden turned 8. I've had him since my (first) senior year of college. If I was any good at scanning in old pictures I would post one of him as a baby. He was the cutest baby puppy.

He has been through a lot in his 8 years. Many varied living arrangements, surviving cancer, the addition of Brynley, and accepting our human baby into the family most recently. He also lives with our cat - Kayley - who he loves. HATES other cats, but Kayley is sort of the "alpha" among our pets. He patiently waits for her to finish drinking from the water bowl even though he's panting and dying of thirst. He just sits there and whines at her, like "i don't want to bother you, but I'm really thirsty". It's one of the cutest things he does.

Hayden loves being outside and will very soon be getting his summer haircut that makes him look like a lion. He doesn't like to snuggle, but likes to be close by at all times. He is overweight and nothing is going to change that. Besides the green bean diet, we've tried most everything else. He's just fat with a thyroid problem and a bad knee - but he's happy that way. Despite his heftiness, he likes to chase birds and bark at airplanes. This is how he gets his exercise most days. He does not like things up high in the sky that move.

Hayden's favorite holiday is Halloween because he gets to dress up. In past years he has been a warlock, bumble bee, bat, and Elvis Presley. He even won best costume at a neighborhood block party one year.

Hayden has had many jobs as well. Only my truest friends know this, but now I'm sharing it with the entire blogging world. Yes, Hayden has worked. He's been an opera singer, head of security for Brynley's insurance company, a tiller, and has often times accompanied Kayley (the cat) to her anger management classes. Don't act like we're weird - you haven't made up jobs for your pets? Well, your pets must be really bored then if they have nothing to do during the day.

So, Happy 8th sweet Hayden. I'm wishing for at least 8 more. Or maybe a lot of money and we'll have the people at A&M just clone you with a few modifications on the thyroid.

Hayden with Brynley

Hayden with Mommy when Brynley was brand new.

Pretty boy in the backyard. He's always in Jay's flowerbeds which irritate Jay to no end.