Hello Summer..

Because of the dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift.
~ Mary Oliver

Some people are not meant to have a dog.  Ever.  Some people are not meant to be without a dog. Ever.  I fall in the latter category.  Although I thought I would embrace my independence and freedom to move about the country..things just didn’t unfold that way.  The absence of four paws made me feel untethered and lost.  I kept waiting for those feelings to pass.  But instead, it just got worse.  I couldn’t believe it when I found myself searching for a new dog.  And yet, I couldn’t not look.  After several starts and stops (I want a dog, no I don’t, I have to have a dog, oh-my-goodness I must be crazy…) it became clear that not having a dog was simply not an option.  So along came this little girl.  Summer.  A 10 week old chocolate labrador retriever.

She’s already chasing balls..

And had her first swim..

And takes lots of naps..

And since this is supposed to be a space about gluten free living, I should mention that I learned the hard way with my first lab the importance of feeding dogs a high quality food.  Summer will eat only a grain free food.  The best resource for the truth about what you’re really getting in your dog food is Dog Food Advisor.  It is very safe to say that just like people food, not all dog food is created equal.

Summer has only been with me for 24 hours and she has already brought so much joy to my heart and my home.  Based on the fact that she follows me everywhere I go and always needs to be leaning on me in some way, I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual.

It is no small gift.