Our boy turned two years old yesterday. They’ve been two of the best years we’ve had in, well… years. Wally can turn a day around just by looking at you. He can make a sad day happy, he can trivialize your worries. He’s a sweet reminder of how little one really needs for a good time, a good life.
Remember this little guy?
He was brand new and dear to us then, and two years later he’s the center of our daily lives. I guess that’s what happens when you don’t have grandchildren.
Well, of course, we celebrated. The birthday boy had a pool party in the back yard, and then it was time to open his present.
His favorite toys are squeakies, and the best squeakies are the kind he can get his mouth around easily. If he really likes it, he’ll sing (aka howl). He puts his heart and soul into the singing. He’s very good at it, but he only sings when he squeaks.
After a good run and a swim in the bay, he got to lick the potato chip bag and snooze away the afternoon on the couch.
Happy birthday, Wally! Here’s to many more good years! Thank you so much for stopping by!
Just look at that face! Happy birthday, Wally!
Posted by: Glenda | 06/28/2011 at 01:41 AM
Oh Wally, you sweet handsome boy, Happy Birthday! What a sweetheart, always love seeing pictures of Wally.
Posted by: Tammy Hair | 06/28/2011 at 03:01 AM
Happy Birthday Wally!! wow, Leslie, hard to believe it's been 2 years already! Sounds like he had a great day and enjoyed himself immensly! hehe They are our kids, aren't they!!! hehe I know we sure love our Abbi to pieces! Give Wally a big hug for me!!
Posted by: Ret Cudmore | 06/28/2011 at 03:55 AM
Happy Birthday Wally! He is a real sweetheart! Thank you for sharing pictures!
Posted by: Elena | 06/28/2011 at 04:30 AM
You had me smiling from ear to ear, and laughing (quietly; the kids are sleeping!) at these beautfiul pix of the birthday boy. Love that kitty on his birthday gift bag. ;) I'm so glad he had a good birthday - he most certainly deserves that!
Posted by: Colleen Dietrich | 06/28/2011 at 04:32 AM
He's so adoreable. I just want to hug and kiss him! I can totally understand his being the center of your daily lives. How could he NOT be. I wish you could take a video of him playing with his squeakies and making his Wally noise.
Posted by: LorraineB | 06/28/2011 at 04:39 AM
Two years old already - my how time flies! Happy Belated Birthday, Wally. Looks like you had an awesome day.
Posted by: Lynette | 06/28/2011 at 05:46 AM
Happy birthday, Wally! I've been following him since you brought him home. What a dear dog. You're all so blessed to have eachother!
Posted by: Anne | 06/28/2011 at 06:22 AM
What a beautiful baby! Happy Birthday dear Wally. I have four dogs, two part lab, one yellow purebred lab and we just got a Border collie and she is 5 months old tomorrow. She was purchased to keep my yellow boy lab active. My two older dogs are 8 & 11 and the lab was starting to act old. So I knew we needed someone more his age. So we got "sadie mae" for a playmate to "Toby" after Toby Keith of course. Are babies are our kids now that are three human kids are in their thirties and two are married with children. Five grands in all. Waiting for my middle son to get married. The new girlfriend is a keeper. Hope he and she think so. Keep sharing picture of your baby for us. Love them.
Posted by: Evette K. Ciampo | 06/28/2011 at 06:39 AM
Happy Birthday Wally. looks like you had a great day.
Posted by: Karol | 06/28/2011 at 06:49 AM
Wally is such a cutie, putie. Makes me want to run right out and buy one for myself, lol. Thanks so much for sharing these heartwarming pictures and Happy, Happy Birthday, Wally.
Posted by: debbie W. | 06/28/2011 at 07:07 AM
Two years already! How can that be??? It looks like you made sure he celebrated in fine style. Such happiness on all sides is wonderful, and thanks for sharing it. Linda
Posted by: Linda Bullard | 06/28/2011 at 07:19 AM
It sure is a dog's life! Happy birthday to Wally!
Posted by: Linda E | 06/28/2011 at 07:40 AM
Happy Birthday Wally,
Your loving mother has kept us up to date on your first two years and it feels like we know you personally. What a great companion you are for Leslie. Eat lots of dog treats today!
Posted by: Jan Marie | 06/28/2011 at 07:56 AM
I can't believe you wrapped Wally's birthday gift in a gift bag with a kitty on the front! That gift bag put a big grin on my face and at that very moment I knew beyond a doubt that you must surely have a wicked sense of humor. What a delightful post, Leslie. I'm glad you helped the birthday boy celebrate in style!
Posted by: Gabriela | 06/28/2011 at 08:05 AM
LOVED this. Got tears in my eyes. So glad Wally found you. The blessings go both ways. Happy Birthday, Wally!
Posted by: SueB | 06/28/2011 at 09:37 AM
I enjoy reading your website for all the card ideas that you share but I especially love it when you feature Wally for the day. He's a handsome fella, love the coloring of his coat and he's a very lucky dog. Sometimes when reading your daily story of Wally, I wonder if you and I are not the same person because we are sharing the same experience as you. My Charly - a girl Goldie - just made 2 years old last month and tho a blond, looks just like Wally. We celebrated her birthday at the beach and she didn't want to come out of the ocean until it was time to head on home. Ahhh, the dog life. Love my dog. Happy Birthday Wally!
Posted by: MarilynY | 06/28/2011 at 09:57 AM
It's a good thing I don't know where you live, because I'm afraid my husband and I might want to dognap Wally!! I've been saying I want a dog like him, but I think I just want HIM!! Such a beautiful dog! Your family is very lucky to have such a sweet guy! I hope my family can be as lucky once we decide to get another pup. We had to put our beagle down a few months ago and seeing pictures of Wally makes us think we'll be ready for another dog soon! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kim | 06/28/2011 at 10:18 AM
Happy Birthday Wally! Your too cute!
Posted by: Elaine Lisle | 06/28/2011 at 10:22 AM
Happy birthday, Wally!! What a cutie he was and still is :)
Posted by: Cindy H. | 06/28/2011 at 10:48 AM
very cute, our dog Peanut howls like that when she knows we are taking her for a walk. She is scared to death of toys that squeak, once she realizes they make a noise she is done with it. It's amazing how much a part of our lives they are.
Posted by: Conniecrafter | 06/28/2011 at 10:57 AM
"Dogs aren't our whole lives, but they make our lives whole." Happy Birthday Wally...and many, many more.
Posted by: Betty | 06/28/2011 at 11:12 AM
How those two years have flown by! Such enjoyable pictures, Leslie. They always make us smile, especially the one of Wally on the couch. Keep 'em coming.
Posted by: Mildred | 06/28/2011 at 11:26 AM
What a "prize" you have in Wally!! He is the most adorable....Happy Birthday to Wally from Aunt V!!! I wish you Many, many more! Thanks for sharing Leslie!!
Posted by: velta | 06/28/2011 at 02:46 PM
What a cute post.....it's amazing how great our pets are and Golden's have a special place in my heart anyhow..so double fun to see for me....I have been working on a scrapbook page of my Golden "Nick" (short for Nichole)...she is smiling in it...I wish she were still with us..but I do love my Nellie Belle Goldendoodle very much...she brings such joy!! Thanks for sharing...its a "gotta make you smile post"!!
Posted by: Diane Hover | 06/28/2011 at 03:09 PM
Happy belated birthday to Wally! I sure enjoy reading about his adventures around your place. What a great bday party - licking the potato chip bag would be the highlight of the day for my Springer. Nothing better than a fur baby. Thanks!
Posted by: Troy Louise | 06/28/2011 at 03:12 PM
Happy Birthday Wally! You've grown into such a handsome fellow. Sending you many belly rubs and ear scratches !!!
Posted by: Elaine Moore | 06/28/2011 at 03:55 PM
What a cutie! They grow up so fast, don't they? The good news is..Wally is still as cute today as he was a pup. What a nice story....Happy Birthday Wally! I love to read about his "life" with his Mom and Dad... :-)
Posted by: Bobbi Miller | 06/28/2011 at 04:03 PM
My goodness, has it been another year already?! What a wonderful post. Your love and affection has made Wally a happy guy - a romp in the bay, a good run, and licking the potato chip bag before a nap!! What more could a guy (I mean dog) ask for? :)
Happy Belated Birthday Wally! And thank you Leslie, for letting us share your joy. A big ((pat)) for Wally.
Hugs,
Susie~
P.s. Love the "kitty" bag *laughing*
Posted by: Susie | 06/28/2011 at 04:50 PM
How stinkin' cute is he? I love seeing a happy dog. He sure looks comfy on that couch...esp after licking the chip bag. LOL :)
Hugs
Posted by: Heather Jensen | 06/28/2011 at 05:24 PM
Aaaawwww he really is the cutest....Happy Birthday Wally. Please Leslie, give him lot of cuddles and hugs from me.
Posted by: Leigh | 06/28/2011 at 05:48 PM
Happy Birthday Wally! Give him a Squeeze from me and my doggy. I love getting updates on Wally he makes me happy too! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Katie | 06/28/2011 at 06:12 PM
Happy Birthday Wally! Looks like you had a really fun day. You are lucky to have such wonderful parents.
Posted by: LaurieJ | 06/28/2011 at 06:15 PM
What a looker he has grown up to be! Loved that puppy photo. TFS
Posted by: Bev J. | 06/28/2011 at 07:44 PM
I visit you blog often.I love your cards & I love to read & see pics of Wally.I can totally relate .I,m adog lover & owner .Your posts always put asmile on my face!.I l also had a golden for 9 years & now I have a 13 yr. old funny crazy almost human chocolate lab who I am nuts for. It's amazing how an animal can make our life so much better.Celebrate & enjoy your Wally for many more years.
Posted by: Tema | 06/28/2011 at 08:50 PM
Happy Birthday Wally! Awwww, looks like he had a Wonderful Day! What a Charmer he is!! 8-)
Hugs
Shannon 8-)
Posted by: Shannon White | 06/28/2011 at 11:07 PM
Awwww Wally is just as adorable as ever. He looks like he had a fabulous birthday. Loved his gift.
Posted by: Ida P. Krause | 06/29/2011 at 12:49 PM
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Wally,
Happy Birthday to you!!!!
It has been so fun watching Wally grow up!!
Thanks for sharing with all of us!
Blessings, Kelley (and Murphy...my golden granddog)
Posted by: Kelley | 06/29/2011 at 07:33 PM
Awwwww.....I LOVE the pictures of Wally's birthday celebration! Happy Birthday, Wally! And thanks for sharing him with us, Leslie. :)
Posted by: Michelle R | 06/30/2011 at 02:38 PM
Happy Belated Birthday to Wally! Looks like he had a blast. Just like a real kid tearing into those gifts. Adorable!
Posted by: Betty | 06/30/2011 at 04:03 PM
Awwwww! Happy B'day Wally!
Posted by: Cheri | 07/01/2011 at 09:50 AM