Happy Birthday / Gotcha Day, Sherman!

Six years ago today Sherman made his way to Vermont via a relay of many wonderful people. I was to drive to Addison Vermont to pick him up for his last leg to his forever home. My home. Little did I know then how lucky I was to have this little being join my family.

Sherman was found as a stray, so we don't really know his actual birthdate, but my vet estimated him as 18 months to two years of age when I got him, so I decided to use his gotcha day as his birthday. I can hardly believe he's eight! He doesn't act it, or look it, or feel it from what I can tell. He and Raeka play and wrestle and run and run and run together. He does have pretty bad arthritis in his little elbows and wrists, but as long as I don't let him jump off the bed, he's fine.

Sherman dressed for Halloween

Sherman is a love. He accepts every living creature that has joined our family since his arrival. Phoebe and Flower, the cats, Olivia, my darling little Puerto Rican rescue dog that we only had in our lives for nine short months before losing her to a brain tumor, and Raeka, who joined us after Olivia died. Another little girl from Puerto Rico. Sherman grieved for weeks and weeks after Daisy died, and again after Livia died. Hopefully, he will never have to suffer such a loss again in his lifetime.

Sherman and Daisy Mae

Sherman and Olivia

Sherman and Raeka

Sherman is challenging in the grooming department. His only fault, really. He will have nothing to do with nail trimming, or the grooming he needs when his coat grows long. Every six months I end up taking him to the vet's where they anesthetize him and monitor him while I trim his nails, shave his coat short, and do anything else that needs to be done. Other than that, he is such a joy. He's a big clown. He makes me laugh every day. He is a snuggler and a snorer, and a nut! I don't know what I'd do without him, and hopefully I won't find out for a very long time.

With his favorite toy, a pink bunny!

Looking for the perfect one

Happy Birthday, my little man. I'm so glad to have you as a part of my life.