The French call it “joie de vivre”–a cheerful enjoyment of life. That’s the phrase I think of when I observe our tripawd pitbull Phoenix. It’s been over 7 months since her front right leg was amputated, and 4 months since she moved into our home. Every day, from the time she wakes up, Phoenix is a tail-wagging happy girl. Whether it’s going for a leashed walk, running free at Eureka’s new dog park or on the beach, playing with her older beagle sister, lying by the front window watching things on our block, or jumping onto the couch to lick our faces and be with us while we read, watch TV or talk with friends, Phoenix exudes delight. There’s much she’s teaching me.