men and dogs

I talk a lot about the dogs in this space, and a little bit about myself, but I speak even less about the guy who supports it all… otherwise known as J! He is late-night duty doggie dad, the breakfast maker of the house, the car maintenance man, the one who shakes his head and smiles as he supports my wild and crazy dreams and helps me find ways to make them a reality. He is also my strong shoulder to cry on, and the one who never fails to make me laugh. Of all of the people I’ve met in my life, he is the hardest working and most courageous. You will often find him standing up for the underdog and supporting what is right, regardless of whatever scrutiny he might face. He always jumps at the chance to help others. More than that, he faces every day as an opportunity to learn and become a better husband, son, brother, uncle, employee, manager, and friend. He is an amazing person in so many ways, and I don’t know where I would be without him! I am a very lucky girl, and not a day goes by that I don’t say prayers of gratitude for his presence in my life.

To say that J is a masculine guy would be an understatement. He is most at ease in one of two places; the gym, or the garage. He is happiest when tinkering under the hood of his classic car (a ’67 Camaro, for those of you who are curious) and spends his days managing and problem-solving at a busy local trucking company, when he’s not out on the tractor taking care of his parents’ farm. But bring up his little girl Gaige, and he becomes putty in your hands. That dog has him wrapped around her little paw, and he loves anything that involves her.

If you ask me, Gaige is our resident trouble-maker. Yes, she is adorable and sweet, but her mischevious side is never far behind. But in J’s eyes, she can do no wrong. She takes a toy from another dog? Oh, she just didn’t know they were playing with it. She runs off in the yard? Well, she just wanted to take herself for a walk. She eats his (Oakley sunglasses, Bose headphones, brand new steel-toed work boots… insert any expensive gift here), and he says it’s just because she smells him and wishes he were there.

Call him oblivious, say he is in denial… you can’t deny that Gaige means the world to him, and you can’t help but smile when you watch them interact. There is no doubt that J is an excellent ‘dad’ to all of our pups, but Gaige’s entrance into his life was unique. Enjoy some photos of their adventures together, and the special bond they share!