Meet Dexter — English Shepherd Pup, Destroyer of Everything Not Tied Down

Meet Dexter, a Christmas present for our grandson. And until Christmas he's staying with us.

Every family has that one holiday memory that lives in infamy—the year the tree fell, the pie burned, or the puppy discovered the wonders of modern interior design. This year we’ve got Dexter, the furry embodiment of both chaos and charm wrapped in one wagging tail.

English Shepherds are known for their intelligence and energy, which is a polite way of saying they can outthink you and outrun you, sometimes at the same time. We're basically living with a four-legged toddler hopped up on espresso—except this one has sharper teeth and an innate suspicion of household objects. The lamp never stood a chance.

What makes this story shine (pun intended) is how perfectly it captures the heart of puppyhood: that wild, hilarious blur between “Aww, look at that face” and “Good heavens, what have you done now?” You can practically see Dexter mid-leap, ears flying, eyes wide with purpose, convinced he’s saving the world from a treacherous light source. There’s no malice, of course—just a heroic misunderstanding.

As you sweep up the shattered remains of the lamp and wonder what’s next on Dexter’s list (the couch? the ornaments? Our sanity?), there’s a certain kind of Christmas magic in it all. This is the season of laughter, forgiveness, and new beginnings—even if those beginnings involve puppy teeth marks in the furniture.

So here’s to Dexter—the canine comet blazing through our holiday décor—and to us, brave temporary caretakers. May Santa indeed bring a reinforced lamp, a few extra rolls of paper towels, and perhaps a small miracle in the form of obedience training. Because when Austin unwraps that puppy on Christmas morning, he’s not just getting a best friend—he’s inheriting a legend in the making.

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©2009 Sandy Davis | American Way Farm