My human baby is 18 today. It makes me reflect on so many things. On all the wonderful years that I have had being her Mom and watching her turn into this incredible young person that is about to go off and take on the world. The greatest gift I ever received from the universe was my daughter. She is my only child, so I can not say what it would be like to have more than one. Though I tried. But the universe told me that this one was enough. I have step kids who really are great, but they do not consider me their mother (and I am not), so it is different.
When you are an adult you live your life based on years of decisions about your values and what is important to you. As you raise your children you pass on these things, but they receive them in their own way, and as part of their growing vs as something they decide when they get older. My daughter is a vegan, Peta, don’t kill anything, recycle everything, and save the world, kind of girl. She is going to major in ‘creating world peace’ and wants to go fix all the wars and the hate. She would like to intern for Greenpeace to save the whales, after she is done at the United Nations saving the humans.
All I can say is, YOU LEARN WHAT YOU LIVE. When you grow up surrounded by love and faith and service and furry animals, no matter what you do once you leave home, that will always be the base of who you are.
Happy 18th Birthday Peanut. Spread your wings and fly to the moon and back. Your Mother will always be right here standing behind you (just remember to call sometimes – LOL).
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤ 
DogDaz Zoo 
monicastangledweb
July 6, 2012 at 01:47
Happy Birthday, Peanut!
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dogdaz
July 6, 2012 at 07:18
When I left the hospital with her when she was born, she was 5lb 6oz and fit between my hand and elbow. Hence the name ‘Peanut.’ Thanks for the wishes.
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peanut
July 6, 2012 at 02:46
Aw 🙂 I love you mommy.
And yes, I read your blog sometimes. Lol.
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dogdaz
July 6, 2012 at 07:11
Happy b-day Baby! Thanks for reading Mommy’s blog. Now go to sleep it is 3 in the morning! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Bassas Blog
July 6, 2012 at 06:54
You have raised and nurtured a wonderful young lady. Happy Birthday, Peanut!
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dogdaz
July 6, 2012 at 07:12
Thanks you Bassa – She would give you a big hug,
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Doggy's Style
July 6, 2012 at 07:02
It made me remember when I left home, my mom was crushed but always showed herself happy for me, she slipped a letter in my luggage which I only read 3 months later, more than a letter was a diary she was keeping when I told her I was moving to a different country to attend college, things she felt and how sad and crushed she really was and how hard was to keep it to herself. When I read it it was like someone was chopping onion in my room. Moms are the best!
Happy bday to your daughter.
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dogdaz
July 6, 2012 at 07:15
Hope your Mom was able to keep the connection with you even over the miles. I am doing my best to accept the changes. She is doing exactly what I want her to – but I miss the baby sometimes that needed her Mommy in a different way. Thanks for the wishes.
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Jodi Stone
July 6, 2012 at 11:30
That’s very lovely. Happy Birthday to your daughter. It sounds like you did a marvelous job!
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dogdaz
July 6, 2012 at 20:38
Thanks – time will tell. 🙂
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themisadventuresofmisaki
July 6, 2012 at 11:56
Happy birthday to your daughter xx
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dogdaz
July 6, 2012 at 20:38
Thank you – she is very happy
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The Daily Golden
July 6, 2012 at 18:55
Nice post! I wish her the best !!!
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dogdaz
July 6, 2012 at 20:38
Thanks Goldie
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hutchagoodlife
July 6, 2012 at 19:29
Happy Birthday! Your daughter is the same age as our Mummy. Tell her to go and do everything now, while she still knows it all. That was the advice our Mummy got on her eighteenth! 😉
Nibbles, Nutty, Bingo & Buddy
xxxx
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dogdaz
July 6, 2012 at 20:39
She is doing everything as you suggested. Thanks
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bumpyroadtobubba
July 6, 2012 at 22:20
Oh, this post made me cry! Happy birthday Peanut. I bet you can remember when she was my Bubba’s age so clearly. Sounds like you’ve raised her to be an amazing girl … just like I hope my Bubba will become. Good job Mumma! x
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dogdaz
July 7, 2012 at 07:48
Thanks – just remember Bubba will learn what she lives. So the best teaching is your life. Live it well and so will she. Yes I remember and I have loved every stage and age as Peanut has evolved.
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Chancy and Mumsy
July 7, 2012 at 16:11
Happy 18th birthday to your sweet Peanut. Hope she had a wonderful day. Hugs
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dogdaz
July 7, 2012 at 22:36
Still partying. Thanks
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Jessica
July 8, 2012 at 11:28
That is a very beautiful post! My mom is going through similiar emotions as her youngest has left the nest. This transition seems the toughest for her; when her older children (including yours truely) moved out, one by one, at least there were more human beings in the house that needed mothering. I hope Lulu, Sofie, and your other furry babies can serve as happy distractions for you during this time. 🙂
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2browndawgs
July 11, 2012 at 08:09
Happy Belated Birthday Peanut.
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