Mondays have a way of sneaking up on us, don’t they? The alarm goes off, the to-do list starts running through your head before your feet even hit the floor, and the week’s busyness tries to swallow you whole.

But this morning, Abbi had other plans.

Instead of rushing around, Dad was greeted by the soft thump of paws on the floor and the kind of tail wag that says, “Hey, slow down. I’ve been waiting for you.” Abbi leaned in close, nudging for scratches, reminding Dad that sometimes the best way to start the week isn’t with a checklist, but with a little bit of love. There’s something special about the way dogs see life. While we stress about deadlines and errands, Abbi was perfectly content just being in the moment—whether that meant lounging by Dad’s side, sneaking in a playful stretch, or resting her head in his lap while the world outside hurried along. That’s the kind of lesson worth carrying into a Monday morning: no matter how busy life feels, there’s always time to pause, breathe, and enjoy the company of those who matter most.

So here’s to Abbi for turning a typical Monday into a memory worth keeping. With her by Dad’s side, the week already feels brighter, calmer, and a whole lot happier.