Just when I thought I couldn’t get any closer to Luke...

It’s happening before my eyes. Our bond has deepened. Our love has grown wide and strong—right alongside his big, chunky paws.

The Morning Wail

Nothing compares to the greeting that awaits me every morning after our daily rituals.

Bathroom duty, check.

Bowl of kibble, check.

Speed-eating gobble, check.

Finally, the best part of our morning surrounds me like the sound of an orchestra playing at dawn.

“Arrrahh-oooh!”

Luke wiggles around the kitchen carrying his red-hot chili pepper—his favorite stuffed toy. His morning greeting falls somewhere between the sound of a singing cow and a very happy dog. Whatever it is, his joyous serenade makes a profound statement about the best way to begin the day.

“Guess what? A new day has begun! I’m so happy to see you! Thank you for loving me! Thank you for being the best Dog Mom! I love you so much! Let’s play! Let’s wiggle! Let’s just get the most out of life!”

The more I reinforce his gratitude, the more dramatic he becomes.

“Is that your chili pepper, Luke? I like that toy. Do you want to playyyyy?”

He rubs his whole body against my lap in enthusiastic agreement while also reminding me of something important: I am part of Luke’s territory. I’m his person, and his dog hair says so. A pattern of loose fur scattered across my clothing has become my eccentric tattoo.

But how can I complain?

Luke’s morning attitude is contagious—in all the right ways. He reminds me that a good attitude leads to a good day. He reminds me that happiness is a choice. Circumstances are irrelevant. What happens to you or around you doesn’t define you. When life gets hairy, shake it off onto your person and remember that GOD—dog spelled backwards—doesn’t make mistakes.

“Today is going to be soooo fabulous!”

Luke dances happily around me while I squeeze his chili pepper at the middle, making it squeak.

Beedoo.

Beedoo.

Beedoo.

The playful rhythm mirrors our joy, and before long we’re both moving foolishly to the beat. Sharing mornings together has certainly brought me closer to Luke. Thankfully, there are many more examples of our deepening bond.

Maturity

The bark-back-harder spats of Luke’s younger years have been replaced by a quiet confidence.

Often, while we stroll through the neighborhood and encounter more aggressive dogs, he’ll simply gaze up at me and smile, as though to say, “He doesn’t know any better.” Or “She’s still learning.”

Likewise, he’s become much more subtle when begging for table scraps.

“I was thinking, since you’re probably full by now, you could toss me a little piece of that egg.”

He stares at me with the stillness and authority of a presidential profile carved into New Hampshire’s White Mountains until I finally surrender.

“Do you want some egg yolk, Luke?”

As though a genie has suddenly brought Luke’s statue to life, he softens and breaks into a warm smile.

“I would be honored to try some.”

Snuggle Time

Luke is, by far, the most affectionate dog I’ve ever owned—and the first to earn on-the-couch privileges.

“Do you want to snuggle, Luke?”

He’ll wait patiently at the edge of the couch before sauntering away, as though he’d rather have his own space. I play along.

“Okay, Luke. I’ll be right here if you change your mind.”

Before long, he returns to the nook by my feet and looks up at me.

“I’m ready to join you now.”

I pat the cushion, inviting him up. He prepares for snuggle time with the careful precision of an airline passenger rearranging luggage in an overhead bin. He shifts. He maneuvers. He turns one completely unnecessary circle. Finally, he settles, resting his head in my lap.

Together, we share an unspeakable moment of quiet understanding.

Every season with Luke reminds me that God’s greatest lessons don’t always come wrapped in words. Sometimes they arrive with four paws, a squeaky chili pepper, and a heart that loves without condition. And every month, our bond grows just a little deeper.

Until next time. Stay tuned for more wagging tales.

Write to Amy. [email protected]

Visit Luke on IG@livingwithlukevalentino