Rappy Rirthday Rittle One!

Guess what today is my friends!?!  It's only one of the most important birthdays in the world!  My little Bear is FIVE years old today!  My baby is all grown up *tear*!

I am so thankful to have this little furball in my life.  I got him 5 years ago when I was living back at home.  I had been looking for a Maltese for a little while and suddenly an ad for him popped up on Kijiji.  It's like Craigslist for those that don't know.

I was hesitant purchasing a doggie off of a classified ad, but I took a chance and emailed the poster.  He sent me photos of him and I made plans to go and check him out in person.  Alright, so I kind of made "secret" plans to go see him... as in not telling my mother where I was going.  She was always a tough sale when it came to new pets but I knew that if she saw him she would fall in love, as she had done with all of the previous pets I convinced her into owning haha.

So my brother's now wife and I drove out to this family's house one night about an hour away.  We pulled up and knocked on their door. I still had no idea if I would even like the dog or what kind of situation I was getting myself into, but when the door flung open and a little 3 year old girl was standing there shoving him in our faces my heart just melted.  He was so tiny. So white and fluffy with the cutest little button face. The family spoke Chinese and were pretty hard to understand, but from what I gathered they had purchased him from a breeder and had only owned him for 2 weeks. They realized what a chore having a puppy was and just didn't have time for him... not to mention the little girl was obviously way too rough with the poor little thing.

I fell in love instantly with him. I told them that I wanted him. So I took him home that night, after successfully prying him out of the little girl's arms. Poor thing, she had no idea what was going on and started WAILING when we left with him.

When we arrived home, I wondered what my mother would think. I hid him under my jacket and walked through the door. She was standing there and said to me "what did you do?" in that way that mom's do when they know that they've told you "no" but you do it anyways. I unzipped my jacket and his little head peeked out. "Oh my gosh!" my mom said... and then her heart melted too.

So today he is 5.  This little pup has been by my side since day one, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Working from home and always being around him has been amazing... he's such a momma's boy.  He is sitting here right now as I type this. If only he could understand how much I love him, how much I adore cuddling with him every night and waking up to his little button nose in my face. How I can't help but squeeze him and how he makes me happy when I'm not feeling my best.  How he runs over to me if he's scared, like a little child.  How even if he's been bad (because believe me he can be a pain) I still can't help but smile.  I think he knows though. If there's one thing animals can relate to us with, it's love. All animals love... don't let anyone tell you differently.

Today we have some walks planned, some presents, and some treats.  He'll be getting a brand spankin' new collar and his favourite doggie snacks.  Is it weird that I keep his presents hidden from him? As if he would even find them!

Do you celebrate your pets' birthdays?
xox Dana