Today is my 5th birthday!  I have to say 5 is a wonderful age.  I’m past all the awkwardness that comes with being a puppy, but I still like to have a good time.  I know who I am.  What I like and what I don’t like.  But I’m still open to try new things, and not set in my ways.  Yep, it can only get better from here.  So I firmly believe that it is my obligation to share with you my 5 years of wisdom, by taking the same performance review I’ve given Asa.  Come over here Asa, I want you to read these questions to me.

Asa: “Chuck Billy, you are so awesome…” Wait, what?!  I don’t want to read this!  Well since it is your birthday I guess I have to do it.  Where was I?  Ah yes, “Chuck Billy, yada..yada…yada…what would our family do without you?  Please remind your adoring little brother all the amazing things you do for us.”

Chuck Billy: Thank you Asa for your sincere words of praise.  What is my role in this family?  I’m Head of Security, the Chief Executive Dog of Living with a Golden, Human Resource Manager assigning responsibilities to Mom and Dad as needed, Recreational Officer, Beekeeper, noted Dog Ufologist…  Clearly my duties are too numerous to list!  But you get the idea of my multifaceted role in the family.  (Pssst Asa, it’s your turn again, read the paper I gave you.)

Asa: Oops, sorry.  I wasn’t listening.  Where was I?  Hold on, there’s a lot of script to skim through here.  Oh wait, here it is.  “What are your greatest accomplishments so far?”

Chuck Billy: Again, too many to list.  But if I have to limit it to my one greatest accomplishment I’d have to say being your mentor and molding you into the Golden Retriever that you are today.  No need to thank me, it was my pleasure.

Asa: “I owe everything I am to you…” Oh give me a break!  You seriously think that?  Whatever, moving on.  “Dearest big brother, you’ve accomplished so much at such a young age.  What are your amazing goals for this year?”

Chuck Billy: In the year ahead I plan to climb to the top of Mount Everest!  Dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench!  Sniff out where the Knights Templar hid their treasures!  And that’s just what I’ll do in the first 6 months!

Asa: Seriously Chuck Billy, there’s no need to puff yourself up with exaggerated job titles and wild claims.  You’re an awesome big brother!  And I do admit I’ve learned a lot from you, including how to get in touch with my inner wolf.  You were also a very caring little brother, setting aside your puppy ways and becoming mature beyond your years in order to take care of our big brother Lemmy.  I heard the stories of how you would quietly lay by his side after his veterinarian appointments and comfort him.  And who can forget how you made Grandma laugh again!  Your comedic timing is impeccable!  I admit that you do take life more serious than me, and protect us from both seen and unseen foes.  No doubt there would be more Squirrels in our yard if it weren’t for you.  And there is the good possibility I could have been abducted by Aliens without your constant warnings.  Also I’m pretty sure no other dog in the history of beekeeping is as dedicated to his hive.  I’m sure the Bees will come back this spring bigger and stronger than ever.  Even more important, thank you for sharing our stories through your blog…even if you do embarrass me from time to time.

Chuck Billy, Happy 5th Birthday!  Here’s to many more years ahead being our Head of Security, Chief Executive Dog, Human Resource Manager,  Recreational Officer, and most importantly my Big Brother!!!!  We love you!!!!