1. Simple self-care. Clean sheets, a warm shower, dental floss, wool socks and slippers, a big cold glass of water, a quick nap while the puppy naps.

2. Surrender. Relaxing into the puppiness that is, finding some ease amidst the hyper vigilance and unrealistic expectations. Sitting with him in my lap, warm and soft.

3. Sam. He’s being such a good big brother, so tolerant and willing to accept some new boundaries. He’s back on three times a day meds and it seems to be helping.

image by eric

4. Eric, the best co-parent ever.

5. Dr. Lindsey Fry and the support staff at Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency and Rehabilitation Hospital. Sam went for an acupuncture session this week and I was reminded how much I adore this place, these people, even though I wish I had no need for them.

Bonus Joy: Snow. It is cold, but it covered up our yard in a blanket of white that keeps most of the stuff Ringo shouldn’t be getting into buried. Why oh why is it that a puppy who might not finish his dinner wants to eat his own body weight in sticks and other debris?