One year ago today, I was in an emergency room with my vomiting daughter fighting with an ER doc about the most appropriate course of action. It was a bad day.
Several hours north of us, a little Golden retriever was giving birth to a litter of puppies: 8 robust golden beauties and one, slightly darker, rusty puffball. One year later, he is a 65 pound whirlwind of trouble, fur, love, and goofiness resting under my feet. He is a reminder of what is important, what is real, and what can be reached on a countertop.
At the time, May 26th 2009 seemed like a bad day. But my daughter was OK, unlike many other parents who have ill children who do not get to come home the same day they go in. And Brody was born. It was a good day. A very good day.
Happy Birthday, Brody. I love you, dude.
http://www.vimeo.com/11959987
On May 26, 2010 at 4:07am, Deb Mendez said...
Happy tears — even before breakfast! Nice montage!
On May 26, 2010 at 4:13am, the 7msn ranch said...
Well if that isn’t just the most perfect video, I don’t know what is!
On May 26, 2010 at 4:32am, Cathey said...
Oh so beautiful! We are in month 3 of our journey to adult golden-hood. The best part of goldens is that you get way more puppy than most dogs – Brody is growing up beautifully and learning sooo fast, but as you know you will have another 8-12 months of puppy and he will never really give up his playful side.
Congratulations, Dr. V – all pets center us and make us whole and fully human in a way that is not possible without them. And thank you for all the good work you do for your patients & clients. They are very blessed to have you, as we are our special Dr. here in Iowa. Treats to Brody for a very Happy Birthday!
Oh, and by the way, while some hunters say “those goldens, they don’t much like water” – we have never been able to keep ANY of ours out of the water, whether it’s a tiny puddle after a storm or down at the river! Golden’s WILL find a way to get into the water!!! (and bring most of it back into your car or home!)
On May 26, 2010 at 5:05am, Lisa W said...
Happy birthday to my favorite Golden dude! What a great video, too! Isn’t amazing how fast they grow? Oscar’s first birthday is in exactly one month. I can’t believe it when I look at the photos of that cute little puppy who rode on my lap for 12 hours on the way home from his foster mom’s house, and then I see the 70-pound gangling teenager that he has become. They heal our hearts and enrich our lives in ways almost unimaginable. Superbrode, have a wonderful birthday — lots of hugs and treats to you from me, Sophie, and Oscar!
On May 26, 2010 at 5:33am, Kim said...
Happy birthday Brody! Congrats to the entire V family!
On May 26, 2010 at 6:17am, Megumi said...
LOVE! Happy Birthday to one inspiring SuperBrody, I can’t wait to see what adventures you go on next!
On May 26, 2010 at 6:21am, Pikachu said...
Happy Birthday Brody , from Max , Stanley and Charlie. “Paws up” to you dude.
On May 26, 2010 at 6:22am, Ashley said...
Happy birthday to my very favorite Golden that I have yet to meet! Prudence and I are sending happy birthday thoughts and wishes your way, Brody!
Wonderful video, Dr. V. So heartwarming. I must admit it made me a little misty eyed
You’re such a wonderful pet mom.
On May 26, 2010 at 6:29am, Pikachu said...
Had to post twice , I love the video , you are so talented and the stars of the video are awsome. Happy Happy Day
On May 26, 2010 at 6:39am, Chile said...
Happy Birthday, fellow May baby! Crazy Aunt K is sending you tons of belly rubs, ear scratches and doggie cupcakes!! Cookie sends a “Woof Wooooof, Bow Wow.” And she thinks you’re cute.
On May 26, 2010 at 6:50am, Annette Frey said...
Happy Barkday Brode! xoxo
On May 26, 2010 at 7:02am, Tonya said...
So much for the eye makeup this morning! It’s been washed away by tears, but they are happy tears.
Happy Birthday, Brody!!!! I can’t wait to share your adventures in the years to come! Look up the word “HAPPY” in the dictionary, and there will be a picture of Brody beside it!
On May 26, 2010 at 7:07am, Fiona said...
All puppies are cute, but goldies have to be the VERY cutest. And of the cutest goldies, Brody is definately the cutest of the cute. Great montage, wonderful dog, and so much love. I wish I lived near you so you could be my vet.
On May 26, 2010 at 7:14am, Susan Montgomery said...
What a wonderful way to celebrate! Great video, perfect subject (of course!)
On May 26, 2010 at 7:33am, Caroline and Romeo the Cat said...
Ummmm….I was choked up even BEFORE I watched the video! Bravo, Dr. V., you had me at “I love you, dude.”
Happy Birthday, Brody! xoxo
On May 26, 2010 at 9:46am, Debbie said...
I love this tribute to Brody. Happy Birthday Brody the Dude!
On May 26, 2010 at 1:40pm, Vanesha said...
As my wonderful and sadly departed friend Chris used to say “Live the life you love and love the life you live.” Happy Birthday dearest Brody and thank you Dr V for sharing him with us
On May 26, 2010 at 1:46pm, jw said...
YAY! Happy Happy Birthday Brody!
Thank you Dr. V. For all you have done, and for all that you do.
That makes me want to get another soon. Maybe in July. I’m looking into rescues. A pug maybe. It will be fun, I think.
Happy B-day! Hugs and treats!
On May 26, 2010 at 2:10pm, Liz said...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE GUY!!! I hope you have a very special day! And thank your mummy for the beautiful slide show she made you, what a lucky puppy!
On May 26, 2010 at 4:09pm, Sylvia said...
Thanks Doc for sharing Brody with all of us!
Happy Birthday Brody Man!
On May 26, 2010 at 5:43pm, lawgeekgurl said...
happy birthday to Brody! (And I love the special guest appearances by Koa and the Mighty Ocelot!)
On May 27, 2010 at 3:43am, Wade said...
*Sniff…More happy tears…Thank you for making such a beautiful video Dr V
And a big birthday hug to Brody!
On May 27, 2010 at 12:04pm, hidden exposures said...
happy (belated) birthday, brody! you have charmed us all year long!