10/16/25

Thought of the day

A story about the day we got Ms. Frizzle nine years ago. 

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” — Roger Caras

We’d been talking about getting a second dog for a while, but the plan was fast‑tracked the day a truck full of yellow lab puppies pulled up next to us at Cabela’s. We certainly didn’t plan on a lab. I grew up with basset hounds — low, loyal, and stubborn — and honestly believed that was the only kind of dog for me.

But then she looked at us with those caramel-colored eyes, and all logic went straight out the window.

At the time, things were tough with Tank, our basset hound. He was struggling to adjust to life with two active kids, and his anxiety started showing in ways that made us uneasy. As much as we loved him, we reached a crossroads where we no longer felt safe leaving him unsupervised. After much heartbreak, Tank went to live with another family better suited for his strong‑willed nature and need to be the center of attention.

It was a painful decision that left a big, basset‑shaped hole in our hearts. Tank had been with us for six years — full of charm, soulful eyes, and countless “you 've-got-to-be-kidding-me” moments. 

Rehoming him broke us a little.

And then came Ms. Frizzle — all paws, curiosity, and pure sunshine — tumbling into our lives like she’d been waiting for us all along.

The adjustment wasn’t perfect. She chewed a few shoes, helped herself to a bicycle helmet or two, and seemed magnetically drawn to every puddle within a five‑mile radius. Yet somehow, amid the chaos, she made us laugh again. Her joy was contagious — the kind that fills a room before she even wags her tail. Yellow labs are famous for their boundless friendliness and love of play, and Ms. Frizzle fit that description from day one.

Nine years later, she’s a little grayer around the muzzle and a bit slower chasing tennis balls, but her spirit hasn’t dimmed a bit. She’s still the heart of our home — loyal, affectionate, always thrilled to see us, even if we’ve only been gone five minutes.

They say yellow labs radiate warmth, and Ms. Frizzle proves it every single day. The universe clearly knew what it was doing that afternoon at Cabela’s — because sometimes, the best companions find you.

Meme dump

I will persevere.
I will keep moving forward.
I will be the stream.