Remember when January seemed like it would never end? I used to think January was at least 60 days long because it always felt like it would drag on and on. It seems like Christmas was yesterday. Where does the time go and how can we make it slow down? I learned the answer to that age-old question the other day and it came from an unlikely source: our dog.

His name is Snowman. He's an American Eskimo, weighs about 25 pounds and up until last month seemed like he would never grow up. He actually matured in front of our eyes a few weeks ago when we got him a puppy. I anguished over it for weeks. Snowman is a wonderful animal. He's intelligent, clean and very well behaved, but had become too dependent on his two humans for company and entertainment. I really thought he would freak out if we introduced another dog into all our lives. It turned out to be just the opposite, he calmed down.

We named his new little brother Frosty. Frosty is a 5–6 pound West Highland terrier with three goals in life: eat, sleep and have as much fun as possible at all times. He's been great for Snowman, they play together constantly, but he also taught the big dog something he didn't know.

Snowman, our little boy, has grown up. Frosty's constant puppyness has made Snowman realize he's a big brother now and he has to protect his new friend. He's calmed down a lot, and now he's teaching Daddy how to slow down. Go figure.

I try to spend some quality 'alone time' with Snowman every day. His mommy (my fiancé) trained him so well he will not do his business in our yard, it has to be on a walk or preferably, in a park. So, we go to the park every day. And you know what, we're both learning how to stop and smell the roses a little more. It's nice.

The Las Vegas Valley has a wonderful system of parks and you meet some of the most interesting people, and animals, in every one of them. For the first time in my life, I'm taking a walk in the park every day, clearing my head and actually enjoying it. All because Snowman decided it was time to assume the role of "elder statesdog."

So while I still run around like crazy for about 14 hours a day, there's at least one hour when I take time to collect my thoughts…and Snowman's "business."

But then, I guess that's what best friends are for…