Hello.
I’m Teddy. Mom says I turned 13 today. She sang to me when I woke up but I’m not sure I was ready for her morning voice 
!
Personally, I think turning 13 mostly means extra cookies. I’ve already had one this morning!
I’ve had a really good life.
I’ve ridden thousands of miles in a truck between Texas and Iowa. Every good road trip includes truck naps, the windows rolled down, and the occasional French fry if Mom’s feeling generous.
I’ve also perfected my version of fetch.
Mom picks up my tennis ball, and I immediately take off running. She has to figure out where I’m going and throw the ball there. I grab it, proudly carry it back…
…about halfway.
Then she comes and gets it so we can do it all over again. She says I’m making her play fetch. I prefer to think of it as teamwork.
These days, I don’t see very well out of one eye, so Mom makes sure she throws the ball where I can find it.
I still love going for walks. I usually make it about 10% of the way before I decide it’s time for my ride. These old legs ain’t what they used to be…but I still like being part of the adventure. Mom brings my stroller, and when I’m ready, I let her know.
I also consider it my responsibility to let Mom know when one of the others is doing something naughty. I give her a certain look that says, “It wasn’t me…but you might want to check on somebody.”
After 13 years, here’s what I know…take your time, enjoy the ride, and never pass up a cookie.
Love, Teddy
⸻
When Teddy began having liver problems in the summer of 2024, I honestly didn’t know if we’d celebrate his 13th birthday. Like Jax and Sox, he started the same medications and food regimen, and we simply hoped for more time.
Today, Teddy is the last of my Original Lollipop Guild, and lucky number 13 feels like a celebration we weren’t sure we’d get.
Happy 13th Birthday, my sweet boy
You’ve been my faithful sidekick through moves, career changes, kids growing up, celebrations, heartbreak, and all the ordinary moments that quietly became a life.
You’ve welcomed new friends into our family and said goodbye to five of your own—Daisy, Cutie, Oreo, Jax, and Sox. Those little paws left big holes in our hearts, but through every change, you’ve simply kept being Teddy.
Your eyes are a little cloudier.
Your steps are a little shorter.
But your heart is exactly the same.
Thank you for 13 years of unconditional love, quiet loyalty, and for making every season of my life a little better simply because you were in it.
Most of all, thank you for reminding me that growing older doesn’t mean the adventure is over…
…it just might look a little different.
Now, if you’ll excuse us, there’s a birthday boy waiting for a cookie…
…and another adventure.
Anyway—Off We Go. 
© Erica Shoemaker | Anyway—Off We Go
