Happy 13th Birthday, Cosmo!

In a seeming miracle, Cosmo the wonder poodle has reached the ripe old age of 13. In my unbiased opinion, he's the most adorable dog in the world. He still retains his puppy playfulness despite his geriatric status. He may be caught napping on occasion, but he can always be aroused by the words "treat" or "walk."

An adventurous eater, Cosmo will try anything. His tastes range from strained chicken to watermelon, honeydew, apples, peas, carrots, and green beans. He's never been known to turn down a slice of smoked turkey or a few flakes of tuna, either. But he can get down and dirty with the best of them when it comes to dog food. He's pretty much tried them all. His current favorite is Royal Canin, an apt choice for such a princely animal.

Though small in stature, Cosmo thinks big. He's never shied away from a confrontation and has been known to challenge Dobermans, German Shepherds, and even Great Danes. But once he's stopped barking, he couldn't be friendlier.

Cosmo has been my loyal companion for 13 years. When he was a puppy, he helped me bond with my teenage sons. When I was sick, he comforted me. And when we moved, he made our new place feel like home. But perhaps his greatest gift to me has been a deep feeling of connection to all non-human creatures. Living with Cosmo has made me more sensitive to animals in the wild and has enriched me in ways no words can describe. Happy Birthday, Cos!