Twelve years ago today, Tweed entered this world and I am ever so grateful that he did. He was born in a rescuer’s home to a cattle herding border collie mama, who found herself in the family way by a sneaky Australian Shepherd foster dog who could climb fences. In other words, his conception was very naughty, and it set the tone for his whole life.
Some dogs you fall in love with instantly. Others grow on you. Tweed has grown on me so much he’s like a second skin, and I couldn’t begin to imagine my world without him.
He’s given me so much over the years. Briggs led us to the sport of agility, but Tweed taught me how to play it. He showed me how important it was to have a sense of humour, and in return he gave me many opportunities to exploit it. The blog may be called Wootube, but Tweed has been the banana peel on the floor of my life.
No matter how undignified the request, Tweed has always been willing to give it a shot.
And he’ll do it with a smile on his face.
Or at least he’ll patiently put up with my nonsense.
An uncle
a wrasslin’ buddy
A champion
He is, most importantly, my very best friend.
For while there have been, and will always be, many dogs in my life
There will only ever be one Tweed.
I used to joke that Tweed was going to live forever, to punish me for something bad I did in a previous life, and probably bark forever too. And the other day we were playing outside and itty bitty light-as-a-feather Spring bumped into barrel-chested solid-as-a-tree Tweed and knocked him over on his face. It took my breath away. I realized that my 12 year old dog was … well, twelve. He’s an old dog now, and time isn’t marching backward. Maybe if I get him a sportscar, and a young boyfriend, we can stop him from aging?
In the meantime, I enjoy every minute I have with him, even the barky ones. Here’s to 12 more years of that noise, Tweedle-dee-dee!
Oh sure, but you yell at ME when I bark?!?!
If you don’t shut up, *I* will do more than yell.
You know, all that noise isn’t helping me hunt the rats under this old dock!
Duh – what’s everybody barking about?
*sigh* I can’t even reminisce without the whole peanut gallery getting involved!
Anyway, since I have to work today, we celebrated yesterday with a long walk around the dykes near Pitt Lake. Then we came home and I let him eat cake!
For me?
OM NOM NOM NOM NOM!!!
Happy Twelfth Birthday to the awesomest Baussie in the world!!
Ann says
12 is a surprise. Rolley turned 12 in February, and while he is still a going concern, like Tweed, he got knocked over by a ewe this year, and my heart stopped.
Mel says
Happy Birthday Tweed!!!
Riosmom says
Happy Birthday, Tweed – you are looking good! And as handsome as ever!
Kate says
Have a wonderful birthday, Tweed!! Bark on, dude!
pam in oz says
Happy Birthday Tweed! I am so glad that naughty Aussie jumped the fence.
Amy says
Happy Birthday, old fella!!!! <3
peggy says
happy birthday, handsome man!
floral says
Happy birthday Tweed! Here’s to many more!
Jackie says
Happy birthday you handsome, sweet boy! My birthday wish for you is more cake and no more limping ever!!!
<3 <3 <3
Jackie says
Well those were supposed to be hearts…
Joe WTF?
Susan Bassett says
A wonderful Tail of the Tweed! Bark on, happy boy!
Laura in California says
Happy 12th Birthday Tweed!
Barbara says
Happy Birthday Tweed!!!
cinnamondog says
Aww, Tweed, you are the bestest, I hope you are an old(er) dog for a long, long time. Another 12 years would be good!
Damn, I remember when you got him, Sheena. You know how some dogs peak in puppyhood? Not Tweed — he got better and better. Like a fine whine. LOL!
mcappy says
Happy Birthday Tweed!!! Continue to live each day like it’s your first!
clairesmum says
Happy Birthday to Tweed! Long may you bark, and run and jump as in the days of puppyhood. And savor the warmth of the sun and the sweetness of a good nap and good friends in ways that puppies can never understand.
Vanessa says
Happy birthday, good sir! You are a beautiful and wonderful pup!
Alison says
Happy birthday Tweed! What a beautiful day for a birthday it is. :)
Janice in GA says
The southern US contingent of the Tweed Fan Club sends best wishes for a long, happy, healthy life to our favorite red dog. :)
Live long and prosper, dear Tweed!
Paula says
Happy Birthday, Tweed!!
Carol says
Happy Birthday, Tweed, you handsome devil! Bark on!
PS. The puppy Tweed photo is squee!
Liza Lundell says
Happy birthday, Tweed! Long may you shine.
Claudia says
Super duper Happy Birthday, Tweed! You are ageing handsomely! xo
Debra says
Happy birthday Tweed. All our best wishes from this house to yours.
J says
Yay Tweed! Here’s to 12 more years of his human-esque smiles!
Janet says
Happy Barky Birthday Tweed! You could be the doppelganger to my 13 year old Jester (aussie). You are both ornery red dawgs! Keep on barkin’!
Jef says
Yay! Happy Birthday Tweed!
I love the fuzzy baby Tweed, so cute! And the pic of The Food Lady and Tweed, BFF’s!
kim says
let me know how the whole sports car thing works out and i’ll get grimm a motorcycle, sidecar and goggles for his impending 12th.
cookies for tweed on his birthday and every day.
JoanB says
Happy Birthday Tweedles!
Schnitzie/Andrea says
Happy birthday, Tweed, you magnificent fellow!
Sheena, the best column you’ve ever written for this blog was the one about Tweed, when you realized he was becoming an Old Man Dog…and when you realized that he was “so full of try.”
So thrilled for Tweed’s 12th B-day and for many many more birthdays to come.
Schnitzie/Andrea says
Also –Best. Line. Ever.
“The blog may be called Wootube, but Tweed has been the banana peel on the floor of my life.”
Alaska says
Thank you. The NOM NOM NOM picture did indeed make me feel like I was there.
“Long may you bark.” Nice.
Arwen Lune says
Oh god, his FACE with the mouth full of cake. Too cute.
Belated happy birthday, Tweed! May you run around and bark your head off for many years to come.
Vicky says
Happy Birthday Tweed…you look so young for your age and I hope you live forever !!!!
Adrienne says
Nom Nom Nom indeed! Made me laugh so hard I snorted!
Red dogs are special. It’s a cosmic law.
Happy 12th Tweed!
Samky says
Red Dogs rule!!! Happy Birthday, Tweed.
You have kept him healthy and strong and he still has lots of time. My Puppylove will be 17 on her birthday in October. She is a collie/chow x. She still eats like she has never seen food before and brings her ball to be thrown. Granted she is happy with 3-4 throws instead of 2 hours worth. She is the best puppy anyone ever dumped in my yard.