New Year's Card From Jacob & Gabe

It may come as a surprise since I am a writer that I don’t like to write Christmas cards. Don’t get me wrong, I like the idea of sending festive cards, but most of them look back at what has happened in the past year. I would rather look forward to the future and what is to come. So why not try a New Year’s Day Card? They can come in all shapes and sizes, but the main feature will outline the sender’s plans for the new year.

I wish I could send each and everyone of you a card to say thank you for reading the blog over the past four years (Gabe and I wrote our first blog in January of 2022), but I can’t, so just consider this blog as our New Year’s card to everyone.

Greetings and Salutations,

Gabe and I have big plans for 2026. Our calendar is filling up quickly. Admittedly since Gabe is not a service dog (I’ve read plenty of stories where Chessies have flunked the training) he can’t go everywhere I go. When we go on separate adventures, I’m sure we will be thinking of each other. When I get home, Gabe will put his paws on my shoulders and nose on my ear, like he is telling me all about what I missed.

On January 25th I am going to  the musical Spamalot in Charlotte. It’s the skits and movies of the British comedy troupe Monty Python set to music. As a foodie, I will definitely be eating at a nice restaurant and leave enough on my plate to bring home for Gabe in the appropriately-named doggie bag.

In February, I will embark on my 5th year as a season ticket holder for Charlotte FC soccer club.  I’ve told Gabe about the soccer games before and he says that I can watch him chase a ball for free. My ducks are much more sympathetic listeners about soccer.

March is the time for the NCAA basketball Tournament. I will be in Greenville, South Carolina covering as many as four games in a day. It’s exhausting. Gabe will have to come in the house for indoor adventures while I recuperate.

April and May are relatively quiet for now so Gabe and I will use the time for golf cart rides, playing tug of war or me cheering Gabe on while he chases the squirrels out of Mom’s bird feeder. I may take Gabe for his first ever pup cup at the local coffee shop. That will give me plenty of material, but no matter how good it is, it will never top Arin’s Good Girl Dog

Treats.

June is a big one as I make a long-awaited trip to Atlanta for the 2026 World Cup soccer tournament. The United States has not hosted the World Cup since 1994 and I began making plans to attend when the USA was announced as a host four years ago. I hope to bring Gabe back a bandana or chew toy as a souvenir.

The Dog Days of Summer (July and August) will be just that as Gabe and I will be looking for ways to beat the heat. Chessies love to swim so a trip to the pond on the farm will certainly be in order.

Late September is when the leaves start to fall. Gable loves to jump in piles and roll in them. It’s one of his favorite things to do especially when the leaves are newly fallen.

In October, the plan is for Gabe and me to have coordinated costumes. It hasn’t happened yet, but 2026 is the year. I will post pictures.

November is time for Turkey and I always save Gabe a piece or two from Thanksgiving. He repays me and gives thanks with many hugs and kisses.

Finally, as always, December is very busy, gifts to buy and wrap, with get togethers to attend. Gabe gets excited too with all the extra family around to play with. The holiday season passes like the whirl wind of energy and excitement Gabe has on a daily basis.

I hope your 2026 is as full of excitement and fun as Gabe and mine appears to be. No matter what the year holds, I know we will enjoy Arin’s Good Girl Dog Treats and take great pride in watching them grow while helping to spread their wonderful message of disability inclusion!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

LOVE JACOB & GABE