Happy birthday little pup! You are now older than me in dog years. But you were always wise beyond your years and a bit of an old fart anyway.

With all of his fluffy hair, one of the most common questions I receive is, “isn’t he hot?”

Well folks, let me tell you. He likes it hot. (He also doesn’t have an undercoat, so he gets cold easily.)

In the last year, Milo and I have discovered his love for sunbathing. I always knew he liked warm weather paired with a nice breeze, but this past year in particular, he has actively sought out that ray of sunshine peeking through the window, that warm patch of concrete in the driveway, and everyone’s front door welcome mat.

Sometimes, when we return from a walk, he will stop on the welcome mat, look at me knowingly (and happily) as he refuses to step indoors, and then do his circle-walk before planting himself down for a toasty session of relaxation. Sometimes he doesn’t even get that far; we might just return home from a car ride and he decides to plop down on the sunny driveway.

Even when he’s clearly hot, panting with his tongue extended, he has a look of joy on his face. I have to physically nudge him indoors to break him from his reverie and ensure his physical well-being. I haven’t allowed this as much recently, with foxtails being in season outdoors, but perhaps today on his birthday I will indulge him.