I wrote before about Benji the dog who arrived in October 2024 and left December 2025. I’m pleased to report that Benji’s replacement has arrived. “Paddy” was born on Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2026. We acquired him from the breeder 9+ weeks later on May 23.

He’s a Cavachon: his mother is a King Cavalier Spaniel, and his father is a Bichon Friese. He weighed 7 pounds when I got him, 9 pounds when he saw the vet 10 days later, and he’s expected to top out at 20 – 25 pounds.

I was having lunch with my friend Mike on Friday, May 22. He found out that Benji didn’t live with us anymore so Mike recommended I check out Cavachons at a breeder in Strasburg, Colorado, just east of Denver, about 90 minutes from here. They had puppies on hand: “Why don’t you drive up tomorrow and pick one up,” they said.

Here is Paddy saying good-bye to his littermates. The Kennel has a (long distance) view of the northern mountains.

We haven’t had a puppy since we raised a golden retriever for my parents in the early 80s. A bit of work! But so far, he’s been mostly fun. He’s adapted well. Some of the ladies in our 20-unit gated community are gaga over him. Two (so far) have offered to watch him any time we need. This pic was shot by a neighbor:

So a bit of a break from “heavy” blog content. Tomorrow I’ll share another “gift” from my friend Mike, this one for your encouragement.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights… (James 1.17, NIV)