It's Cinco De Manny, Oui?

Guess what today is? Today is my youngest canine's birthday. I know people probably find it absolutely absurd that I celebrate the birthday of my animals but if you knew how much they mean to me, and how much they've changed me as a person, you would completely understand.

Manny was born May 5, 2005. Yes that's right, 05-05-05, so 5 is his lucky number ;) He was more of a gift for Bing than he was for me. You see, Bing used to get terribly upset when I would leave for work everyday, to the point where he would sit at the door and cry for hours (according to my neighbors), he wouldn't eat, and sometimes he would make himself so upset that he would throw up. Finally, it was time to get him a companion.

I rescued Manny from a puppy mill not far from here. He was living in a mobile home full, *FULL* of puppies. Most of them had their larynx altered so they could no longer bark. Manny was just over 18 weeks old when I purchased him and a little more than 2 pounds (which is very small-- he was malnourished) His toenails were entirely too long to be comfortable and he stunk to high heaven. The whole ride home I had to have all the windows open.

The poor thing didn't know how to leash walk and he was put up for sale because his testicles didn't drop so they weren't going to breed him. About one month after having him both of his testes dropped (which I promptly had snipped off). The vet explained to me, given his condition, that his testicles probably hadn't dropped because he wasn't given the opportunity to exercise at all.

Of everyone who loves Manny, Bing probably loves his bro-bro the most. He will spend hours cleaning Manny's ears and eyes. If Manny makes the smallest noise Bing will have to come check on him to make sure he's alright. He lets Manny have everything (toys, treats, my lap), they rarely fight and they could play together for hours.

Manny wasn't an easy puppy at first. He used to nip at people and, if you got to close to his face area, he would lunge at you. He must have been around a year old when he would finally let me kiss his face. Now, he wouldn't dream of ever biting people and if you make eye contact with him he'll interpret that as you initiating cuddle time and he'll insist you hold him for the next 3 hours. He is really a funny dog and he makes me laugh on a daily basis. He's quite the butt-in-ski and that's one of his many nicknames.

I honestly can't believe he's 5 today. It kind of makes me sad, actually. I credit my dogs with teaching me tenderness. If many of you knew me before I had the boys I was by no means warm and fuzz, Bing and Manny taught me how to love unconditionally and how good it feels to be vulnerable sometimes.

Happy Birthday Manstance. We love you so much!

While Bing and Manny are not registered voters they, like their Mama, are "Repuplicans" ;)

Yes, he has a bathrobe. Jealous?

Before his weight loss. He got up to 13 lbs! Oops! Now he's back down around 7.

Reading the paper at camp with Daddy.

                                  

Some of these pictures were from our first apartment when Aaron and I first moved in together. Ahh, memories.

Manny is a Mama's boy. He likes to pretend he came from my womb.

I will post more about his celebration tomorrow. Of course we're having a party. Did you actually think we were sane? There will be a party tonight ;)