My, how they grow so fast!

"Let's just go look at the puppies!," she said.  I had wanted a dog (defined as a retriever, lab or some other weight bearing breed) for some time, but we were still bouncing around between tiny rent houses, parsonages sans yard and duplexes with no fence.  There was no view of inhabitance capable of handling a bumbling quadruped any time in our immediate future.  Anna's natural solution to the problem was a yorkshire terrier...a miniature yorkshire terrier.  And so it all began.  We set out one afternoon at First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Tx to go and look at puppies.  The decision had not reached consensus in the Bowden household yet, but a simple perusal of the K-9 species couldn't do any great harm.  In less than an hour we were picking out a name for our new Yorkie.  In honor of the mascot at our alma mater, Judge seemed to suit the little fella quite well.

My reluctance soon gave way to fascination.  I found it amusing to put the poor creature in the smallest places that I could find.  He seemed willing to allow his new father of another genus to delight in his limited incarceration in pockets, purses, boxes, even a Pringles can.

In the puppy days fifteen minutes of hard play lent itself very naturally to a four hour nap that left "mommy and daddy" wondering if the tike was even drawing breath.  Nothing would wake him save the next fifteen minute bout with a chew toy, squeaky object or knotted sock.

We try so hard to keep them from growing up, but ours has.  He's all grown up topping out at a hefty 4 pounds and 13 ounces (so says the postal scale on Anna's desk).  That's amazing, we could ship our dog anywhere in the country for less than $8 and he would get there in 1-3 days.  At that rate we've decided to start our web based pet rental service, net-pet.  Open up the box (watch out for the initial odor) clean your pet-of-the-week off and give it a pseudonym.  When you're done playing simply place the pet back in the postage paid return box and send him right back to "mommy and daddy."  The best part is, no late fees!  Alright, who will be the first to sign up?

Despite our best efforts to keep the little guy young forever, he's all grown up and making us proud every day.  Judge is easily the smartest dog to grace our planet since Benji, Lassie or Hooch (see Tom Hanks co-stars).  So far there have been no tear jerking endings, just a lot of amazing tricks!  Check this out: