Tribute to the 4 year old

Today the ruler of our house, our fuzzy friend, the "Boz", "Boz Butt", "P-Dizzle" or simply Parker turns four. I still call him a puppy because he is still just as cute as the day he first melted our hearts. Four years ago we talked about getting a pet because at that time Jason was traveling up to 6 months of the year. I needed a friend and protector. Little did we know that we would find a liter of 7 cocker spaniels when we picked up the key to my co-worker's cabin in WV.

The puppy years were tough at points, especially since I was a single mother for his first three months at our house. But Parker has enriched our lives as well others. I used to be hesitant and often straight out fearful of dogs. My mom never liked pets. All that changed with Parker. Even though he interferes with our traveling plans, Parker has been perfect for our first dog EVER. And we love him dearly.

Here are some Parkerisms:

1) The Elvis Lip

Parker took a liking to plastic bottles as a pup. As a result he has some crooked teeth. His lip gets stuck on this tooth, and wa la, Elvis returns!



2) The green ball

Not only does Parker like to play catch with his ball, he also MUST have it either in his bowl or near his bowl when he eats. We don't go anywhere without it



3) Cruisin'

What dog doesn't like to cruise in the car?



4)Loofah Dogs

Parker has an obsession with loofah dogs. We have probably spent over $200 buying these toys through the years. Parker tends to tear them apart within 5 minutes of receiving a new one. Here's the current "pile of shame"



5) He's a beer drinker

Parker enjoys the backwash from beer bottles. His favorite is corona. The lime makes him lick for minutes



6) Bully Sticks

Parker's favorite treat is called a bully stick. It smells, but he loves them. Check out the ingredient



7) He's a mama's boy

If Jason is sitting on the couch with Parker and I sit down, he will automatically move and sit as close to me (usually on top of me) as possible. No matter where I go, he follows me. I think I'll have some company for those midnight feedings!



8) "Pancake"

Laying on the ground with all four legs out is Parker's favorite position. Our neighbor came up with the term "pancake" for this look. Parker likes to keep an eye on the neighborhood for us.



9) Cone of Shame

Poor Parker has "cherry eye" and had to endure (more like we had to endure...) two eye surgeries. Parker had to wear the lampshade or as they call it in "UP", the cone of shame. Parker crashed into our shins and the steps for days until he realized he needed to lift his head. No cones for the last two years :)



10) Not photogenic

We torture our dog by taking many pictures of him. This includes random shots and forced poses for Christmas cards, fashion shows, and family portraits. Here is a collection of our favorites. We laughed so hard making this album. We love our Boz!

WARNING: Some of the following might be offensive to viewers.

4 years of Parker's "finer" moments!!