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Celebrate...even when you don't feel like it!





Every Saturday I get the opportunity to celebrate the week over at Ruth Ayres' blog, 
Discover. Play. Build. Thank you! It's become a highlight of my blogging week!


I knew I should have started writing this blog post sooner than Saturday morning. This week was a good week...filled with joy and success and happy moments...but I'm having a hard time focusing on those right now. My dog Leo is sick. The vet isn't sure exactly what it is, so I'm focusing on the best possible outcome.

So today I celebrate Leo. 

Leo was adopted ten years ago from a wonderful shelter in West Virginia. I got him when he was almost a year old. I remember visiting the shelter, with my roommate, looking for my dog. As we walked through the line of kennels, I noticed that most of the dogs were begging for attention...barking, jumping, licking...looking for people to see them. Not Leo. As I approached his kennel, I looked for the dog inside. He was cowered in the back, growling...scared. My roommate looked at me and she smiled as she said, "He's the one you want, isn't he?" Sigh. Yes. Leo was abused before I got him, so he's had major trust issues with people. When he came home with me, we bonded. He's my dog and I'm his person. 


He's been with me through the death of my dad and moving a few times. He cuddles up to me when he knows I'm sad. He loves Cheerios and hamburgers. Wherever I am in the house, he's not far...he's my shadow. He's almost eleven and still playful and cuddly. He's such a love!

Leo even has his own blog, Leo the Dog with the Blog. My students love it!

Today I celebrate Leo. 


Playing with his favorite toy!




Loves to walk on the curb!




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Comments

  1. CatherineJanuary 11, 2014 at 7:10 AM

    Leo looks like a great dog. He reminds me a little of my beagle, Lucy, especially the picture of him with his head on the pillow. Our pets do become part of us, don't they? I'll be thinking of you and Leo today, Michelle, and praying for his speedy recovery!

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  2. drferreriblogspot.comJanuary 11, 2014 at 7:30 AM

    I love how you turned worry into celebration this week. It's interesting that even our deep concerns CAN if we let them, have moments of CELEBRATION. I do hope that Leo has something that resolves quickly. Meanwhile, sending virtual hugs to you all.

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  3. SarahJanuary 11, 2014 at 8:46 AM

    I love how you are celebrating sweet Leo. I'm sending good, healing thoughts your way.

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  4. Linda BJanuary 11, 2014 at 9:22 AM

    Leo looks like a dog I'm sure I would love, Michelle. We had a terrier once & thought he was such a sweet dog. I love all your photos, but that first one is so special! I hope everyone goes well with the search for what's wrong. Sending positive thoughts! And thanks for sharing too!

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  5. Leigh Anne EckJanuary 11, 2014 at 10:39 AM

    I hope things are going better with Leo. Good thoughts and prayers going your way.

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  6. Terje January 11, 2014 at 12:11 PM

    Your love for Leo is warm and tight in your words. Sending positive thoughts.

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  7. Holly MuellerJanuary 11, 2014 at 12:50 PM

    Oh, poor Leo! I hope he feels better SOON! I love the top picture, and I enjoyed visiting his blog. ;-)

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  8. JulieanneJanuary 11, 2014 at 3:01 PM

    I hope Leo is better soon. Let him know I love his blog! We so love our dogs so and they love their people so. I highly recommend Dog Songs by Mary Oliver. (if you haven't got it already). Miss my dogs. Love my cat.

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  9. Tammy and ClareJanuary 11, 2014 at 5:01 PM

    What a wonderful piece. We hope Leo feels better soon. Love the story of how you got him. It sounds like he actually picked you.

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  10. Ruth AyresJanuary 13, 2014 at 8:58 AM

    I celebrate Leo too! Dog are precious and Leo seems to be extra special. I hope he is feeling better soon. Take care.

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  11. MaryHelenJanuary 15, 2014 at 6:31 AM

    My heart rejoices with you. Leo is precious. My hope will be that Leo will heal. I love the picture of him being near by while you were reading. Adorable!

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