One year ago today...

THIS psycho little bundle of fur came into my life. My daddy and I packed up the car with his crate, new collar and leash set {monogrammed, natch}, and a handful of dog treats. We made the 90 mile drive to his foster mommy's home, said a lot of tearful good-byes, and he's been my #1 guy ever since.55 pounds {him, not me!} and one year later, the Puppy Boy {PB} has cost me untold thousands of dollars in vet bills, boarding fees, and dog food. He has shed approximately six million pounds of fur onto my furniture, floors, and clothes. He has pooped on the carpet of my boss's brand new home...twice. He has convinced me numerous times that I'm going to be evicted from my apartment complex. He has cost me many nights' sleep. He has chewed the corners off a windowsill, my TV stand, and two of my parents' guest beds {but never any of my shoes...smart boy!}. I can never do anything spur of the moment, because I have to figure out who will take care of him. I spend every single lunch break of every single work day going home to take him out to relieve himself. I never get to sleep in on Saturdays or Sundays because he doesn't understand weekends. I never get a break from exercise, even in rain or snow, because he will tear the house apart without a 4-mile walk or run.

And you know what? I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world.

Because PB always wags his tail and kisses me when I come home. He always loves whatever I'm cooking. He kept my heating bills down this winter with his expert snuggling skills. His personal goal is to make at least one new friend {squirrel, student, family, school children...he doesn't discriminate} on our walk every day. He doesn't play hard-to-get...he lets you know he loves you. He has comforted me through two very hurtful boy situations and prevented one in the making by eating the guy's sandal. He can always make me smile at the end of a long work day. He always forgives me when I'm a mean mommy or work too late. And best of all, I get to wake up to this little bit of cuteness every morning.

I love you, PB!!!!!! Here's to another 15 years.