By CAITLIN HOFEN, Student Reporter
Mom’s alarm goes off from the bedroom. The sun is shining through the window as I sit up from my bed and let out a huge yawn. Out comes Mom, still in her pajamas. I’m so happy to see her that I jump up on the side of my pen.
As soon as Mom opens the front door, I bolt outside and into the warm sunshine. The grass smells amazing while I play chase-the-birds. Eventually, Mom makes me go back inside, and I give Dad big, slobbery kisses to wake him up.
I’m convinced that my puppy is the happiest dog in the world, always smiling and ready to play. Coe is a 14-week-old Blue Heeler, and I can’t describe how much joy he has brought to my life.
Growing up, I had a beautiful German Shepherd named PJ who was my best friend and protector. Today, I can see a little bit of PJ in Coe, like the way he cocks his head and gives the best kisses.
Every morning, I get wake up to his happy, smiling face. He loves people, car rides and being outside. Walks are his favorite time of the day.
As a puppy, Coe finds a game in everything. Even if it’s stealing Dad’s sock from the laundry basket to zoom it around the house.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s been some trying moments, too. From accidents in the house to taking off down the street by himself, Coe keeps my boyfriend and I on our toes. I haven’t had a dog in a long time, and I’m so thankful we have him together. I’ve learned so much in a few short months. One can watch hundreds of training videos, but every dog is special and stubborn.
What continues to blow my mind is how big Coe has grown in such a short about of time. The little puppy we had to carry everywhere is now a big boy with a natural curiosity and willpower to match.
If he wants something, he will find a way to get to it. Even if that means sneaking a potato chip or two while Dad isn’t looking.
This semester has been pretty hard for me, like so many others. Classes are a struggle, and work is long.
With homework added in, it doesn’t seem like there are enough hours in the day. When I’m fed up and need a break, Coe’s more than happy to give some kisses and take a walk. Time doesn’t exist to him, so it’s always time take a break to play.
He helps me take a step back and breathe. I’m not sure I would have made it through this semester without him.
Coe’s day is full of games and new adventures, with a nap or two thrown in. I wish we could all see the world through a puppy’s eyes. I think we’d look around in wonder and awe at the new experiences we’d get to have, and the joy found in life.