The actual date was Sunday, but it's never too late to wish ❦ellapup a happy fourth birthday. Here's a shot of Ella reclining in the manner to which she has become accustomed on her back yard throne.

We bought her a big rubber treat ball for the glad occasion. It has a sort of simple valve where you insert treats, a maze of chambers inside, and an exit at the opposite pole. The dog bats and rolls the rattling ball around until the treat works its way out the exit. It's a ton of fun.

And here's a picture from the front stoop this morning, with Ella holding tight to her other present:

It's name is Weaselmonkey, and it squeaks.