Gotcha Day

This guy... oh man, I love this dog. Today is the 2nd anniversary of "Gotcha Day." Since Howard was adopted from a shelter, he doesn't have an official birthday (our best guess is that he's 5-ish), but that doesn't stop us from celebrating the day he came into our life. The day we got him... "gotcha." 

Although I thought I knew everything about this dog -- I mean, we ARE best friends -- I learned a little bit more at the vet this weekend. Turns out the poor guy has worn down patches on the backs of his teeth that are likely the result of chewing on a cage for a prolonged period. I don't mean to go all Sarah McLachlan on you, but I was practically in tears when I heard this and imagined my guy trying to chew his way out of a cage day after day. How someone could lock-up this cuddly, sweet boy, I don't know. 

What I really mean to say, is that there are a lot of dogs out there that need loving homes where people don't leave dogs them in cages all the time. In the past two years, Howard has made our lives exponentially better and I only wish everyone could enjoy the same love. If you're planning on bringing a dog into your family, please consider adoption. 

For the Love of Dogs

If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably noticed my 10lb fur child, Howard. I come by this Puppy Love honestly, as I was raised with incredible canine companions. They've always been part of our life, so when they leave us, it's heartbreaking. You miss their unwavering love and it truly feels like your family is incomplete.

Sadly, my Mom and Stepmother both had to bid farewell to pets recently. It's hard to figure out the right way to remember them, but when I saw Kim Vargo's Pet Shop portraits, I knew they would be perfect. Needless to say, many tears were shed on Christmas morning. Happy tears and memories.

She expertly captured Abbey and Smudge's personalities through their pup smiles. And at just a few inches, the portraits are a nice way to show off your pets without an enormous dog portrait in your home...awkward.

If you're a dog lover or buying for one, definitely be sure to check out the Pet Shop.