This is Peanut Butter Brickle. Today is a special day. Sure. The sun came out and we all woke up. So that is a good day. But the special part about today is that it is an extra celebration of Fruitycake.
My brother, Fruitycake. Fruitycake The Raccoon.
A year ago today, we drove to a crowded shelter in that Lakeland, Florida place.
And we picked up my brother from jail.
The persons had made this decision a couple days before. And they surprised me. And wow. I was surprised. But you know who else was even more surprised? Fruitycake. After all, he only had a name given by the shelter of “this dog”. And he has no idea how colorful his life would become.
And how much we needed him.
I was very sad after Digby passed away.
It didn’t take long for the persons to make a quick decision and adopt another dog. They said they were not ready. But they said I was getting weaker and sadder. They said they had to do something. And so they did.
The first few days and weeks with Fruitycake were loud. Barking and barking some more.
He was scared. And yet living.
He was happy. Yet he was nervous. And we all were.
We all were going thru healing. And we all needed each other like peanut butter and cookies.
This last year with my best friend has been a learning experience. I’ve learned that you can love again and I’m learning that love can turn back the hands of time.
Fruitycake has brought more joy to our lives than we could have ever imagined.
It’s like he was meant for us and we were meant for him.
I know the roads we all took to meet were long and sad. But the road now is only good. The road now is going to lead us to some pretty neat places and decisions this year. Together.
Some may have questioned our name for “this dog” at first. But we hope you can see how sweet he truly is and the treat he is to our lives.
I’m so glad you are here Fruitycake. I love you so much that I don’t care when you grumble. Or burp. Or sit on me. I don’t care when you try to eat my food or when you snore. I love everything about you. And especially that you listen to me. You listen to me and care for me. You encourage me to be better. And you have taught me I don’t know it all.
I know you may not understand this fully, as we have only traveled a year.
But as beautiful as Niagara Falls was and the mountains of Virginia and the beaches of South Carolina were, we have our biggest adventure ahead of us this year. And it’s the biggest adventure of my life. I’m glad you’re with us more than ever before. Digby would be proud of you. Digby would love you. And that’s the biggest compliment of all.
Happy Gotcha Day, Fruitycake!
–Peanut Butter Brickle
Happy Gotcha Day to all four of you. Because when you all got Fruitycake, he got you. And I think Digby was there pointing him out to Nate. “This dog. This dog. You need This Dog Right Here. And he needs you.” We look forward to your next adventures and big decisions. There are new things coming. Every day is a new adventure.
Happy Gotcha Day sweet Fruitycake! It has been a wonderful year watching you grow and learn from your amazing family Brickle, GP and BP. You were all meant to be together. I love you sweetheart❤️🐾❤️
Happy gotcha day Fruitycake so glad you and the Johnson family found each other. You and Brickle celebrate 🍾 today. I am sure you will get ya a treat. If your family goes on a ride, the best little pet store in Lakeland is The Doggie Bag, Miss Heather and Rhonda will give you lots of love and attention. 🙂❤🐕🦺🐾