Traditions

Everyone loves traditions.

You know, those things that we look forward to at specific times.

Dogs are no exception to that.

They, too, love traditions... rituals, if you will.

Each morning, our dogs are used to the same ritual.

"Viteyum time"  we call it.

It's barely light outside and the call comes from the kitchen.

" Hey Maddie, hey Sadie, Oakley, Hickory,

it's viteyum time.  Come get your viteyummy-yums!"

Yes.  I said "vit-e-yum."

That's dogspeak for vitamin.

Each morning and evening, our older gals

get their glucosamine and anti-inflammatory medication

in a dollop of peanut butter.  

In the morning they each get a hard boiled egg yolk for breakfast.

Yummy!  Traditions are great!

Then Oakley and I take off for morning chores.

Lately, however, Hickory has decided to accompany me.

Down the driveway towards the barn we head....

Hickory, in the seat next to me on the Gator.

Oakley, running free through the woods, chasing rabbits.

He meets me at the barn shortly after my arrival there.

Down the driveway and into the orchard we stop.

To pick up our next passenger....

Bobby.

Off to the barn to start chores....

Two good buddies to help me...

Meanwhile, Moonbeam is knocking on the stall door with his shod front hoof.

Translation - "I'm ready for my breakfast too!"

Rituals are a good part of life.

They give the animals something to look forward to,

each and every day.

Rituals help to strengthen the bond between man and animal.

It's one of the ways we tell them how much we love them.

And we do love them!