Next Tuesday will be the 4th of July, one of my favorite holidays. What’s not to love? Doc and I will be spending time with family, eating good food and watching the fire works, all to celebrate The United States 241st birthday! It’s hard to believe that 241 years have passed since 56 men waged an open rebellion against the British to form 13 colonies that would be independent from the most powerful empire on earth.

From a dogs perspective, I feel that it takes courage to break away from the old pack that you have been running with for years. Moving forward and forming a new pack with different values that benefit the entire pack and not just the alpha dog can feel scary and unfamiliar. I think that’s why so many people get stuck. It’s easier to stay with what’s familiar even if you are miserable. Luckily, that group of brave adventurers were not afraid to start something new.

It is interesting to watch how all of you Americans still try to debate the liberties you were given so long ago. But that is the beauty of The Declaration of Independence. We were granted the right of free speech. Never take that for granted. I guess the trick is not to trample on other people’s rights in the process of standing up for what you believe in. I think Abraham Lincoln said it best; ” Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” Important words to ponder I think.

Doc and I want to wish all of you a wonderful 4th of July. Happy Birthday USA, let freedom ring!