Day 1045

How can two golden retrievers, brought up in the same house and each lavished with unending love, be totally different? Where Ranger is accommodating and calm, Sam is demanding and “zoomie!” They look somewhat alike on the outside, but the inside harbors vastly different beings.

Looking at my own children, they all have their own personalities…vastly different from one another. Also raised with love, they are unique and each embraces the person they have become. Perhaps that is to be desired, but one might think they would be more alike.

Looking at the Golden brothers, there are some likenesses. Both loving and devoted, their happy demeanors and adoration of humans is front and center. Perhaps they are more alike than they seem at first glance.

My own children have a few characteristics in common as well. Attempting to support their individual strengths, they certainly morphed into different people while pursuing their dreams. That was one of my goals. However, my heartfelt intention was to make them empathetic and caring adults. They have not disappointed this mom.

No matter if you are bringing up two- or four-legged “children,” if the end result is loving, caring and empathetic adults, that should nudge the world in a better direction! Even Sammy is making me proud!