Sometimes winning someone’s heart takes lots of time and plenty of patience. . . . Do I look patient? I’m convinced that at the right moment, I will win the fair princess’s heart because I’m Prince Chipley of Pretty Hill. And I just have to find a way to win the lady Cocoa’s heart.

Hark! What light through yonder tree doth shine? It is the fair Princess Cocoa Joy, and I must find some way to win her heart! I know I will. —Chipley the baby Cocker Spaniel

This was taken on the way up to the Dover Hills last May while I was in England. Whenever I see it, I always think of the hymn “Jerusalem” written by William Blake.

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green?
And was the Holy Lamb of God
On England’s pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills? . . .

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England’s green and pleasant land.
—William Blake

First time we played together and . . .

the first time we dug a hole together. It was lots of fun.

“Whoever said you can’t buy happiness forgot about little puppies.” —Gene Hill 

People keep asking me what Cocoa is doing with the new puppy? Would you believe that she is lying on any and everything that belongs to him? In this photo, she is on his baby blanket (under her chin) and the larger blanket one day will become his “go to place.” (See Training Up Cocoa on how to use a “Place.”) A few minutes ago, I told a co-worker that when Cocoa realized Chip was here to stay, she walked around the den and gathered up all her toys, put them in a pile, and then plodded down beside them to guard them from the “new” intruder.” Ahhhh! She reminds me of some people I have met along the way in life.