June 2, 2013 Photo of the day: "Buster"

Meet Buster, my #1 nephew! Buster is 11 years old with some challenging older dog problems, but he is a very happy boy. See how he smiles for the camera?! He loves to play with his toys, lie in the cool grass in the summer or in patches of sun in the winter, and take naps on his brothers' beds. As busy as his little brothers, Alec (9) and Chase (almost 7, Auntie!) are, they always take time to give Buster a scratch behind the ears, a belly rub, or a treat. Auntie loves Buster too; beagles are her favorite dogs. Uncle Eric wants a beagle puppy, but Auntie is worried about multi-colored hair everywhere, itchy eyes, and other dog-related inconveniences. Still, it is wonderful to be greeted at the door by someone who loves you so much he simply cannot contain his joy. Husbands aside, is there anything cozier than snuggling with a warm furry friend who lives to please you?

Maybe I'm just feeling sentimental after having just finished The Art of Racing in the Rain, Garth Stein's heartwarming and heart-wrenching novel about Enzo, one man's amazing best friend. Enzo narrates the story about his family's triumphs and tragedies while lamenting the fact that he doesn't have opposable thumbs and cannot speak. Despite these humiliating challenges, witty, wise, philosophizing Enzo has no trouble communicating his wants, needs, fears, and hopes for the future when his dog days have ended. I highly recommend this book. It is one of Pewaukee High School's 13 for '13 Summer Reading List. Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to read as least one of the books before the PHS September iRead book club events. So far, I've read six of the thirteen books, and summer hasn't even started yet (2 more weeks of school)! I hope you find time to read a good book this summer and to play with your favorite canine companions!