A Very Happy 16th Birthday to Harley, (aka “Harley-Monster,” aka Ch. Coquetel Heart of Darkness). There were days – especially this last year – that we didn’t think this day would come.  There was an especially tough week back in January but she pulled through with that joie de vivre she has had since I picked her out of the litter box at 3 weeks old for being “Hell on Wheels”…hence, Harley!

At 16, Harley is ….

- A Great-Great-Grandmother,

- The first Coquetel dog that has made it to their 16th birthday (although there have been some that came close)

- A tender soul that – even at this age – still mothers both 4-legged and 2-legged alike, having a particularly affinity for our 6 month old nephew.

Harley now enjoys a very well-earned retirement.  Her day includes sidling up to family members who will slip her a piece of cheese or some steak from the dinner table when none of the other dogs are looking; or to let her up on the couch to watch TV (“Telly-Time” is her favourite time of day).  It’s a bit of effort to get her to eat her meals these days, and she’s occasionally been seen to “hold out” for the good stuff (we have discovered she loves Merrick canned food).  She also gets somewhat distracted when she goes out to do her business.  But when she’s alert, she has the alertness and mind of a young pup again.  And it’s those moments that we continue to treasure.

Happy Birthday Harley-Monster – you are truly one in a million!

Love,

Gen and Andrew