If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook or read my blog, then you know I have a pretty special little lady in my life. My family has always been "dog people". I always had a dog growing up & into my teens & 20's. And then I moved out on my own. I worked 2 jobs and traveled & although the thought crossed my mind from time to time, I wasn't ready for the commitment of owning a dog on my own. I sold my first house & built another one soon there after. I had a huge yard, was working one job & so the time felt right to start my search.
I was pretty specific in that I wanted a female yellow lab and this time I wanted to adopt from a shelter if possible. I was laying in bed one night scrolling shelter websites when I came across this cute face:
And y'all - I fell hook, line & sinker. It was love at first sight. I went down the next day & adopted her. You can read all about her adoption story here.
I am not going to lie, those first few weeks were definitely an adjustment. Because she had spent a week in the shelter, she was sick the first few days I got her. Potty training, early mornings & chewed shoes was the story of my life those first few months.
But it didn't take long & we found our "groove" & y'all - she had me wrapped around her little paw in no time.
But what I didn't realize was just how quiet & lonely my house was before her. She might be "just a dog" to some - but y'all, she's the best. She knows when I'm happy or when I'm sad. She makes me laugh & gives me someone to talk to...and bonus is she doesn't talk back! Ha! =) It's an unconditional love like no other.
About two months after I got her, Blue Bell started going through it's listeria crisis. I went through some long, dark days during that year but she was always there no matter what. I said that God put her in my life at the exact right time.
It's been a little over 2 years now & I can't imagine life without her. I often think back & wonder what in the world I did with all my time before her?! A high energy level is a core trait of a lab and I definitely have to channel that energy...or she takes it out on my yard! =) Our nightly routine normally includes about a 3 mile walk followed by a 30 minute game of fetch.
Heart ✔
Mind ✔
Body ✔
Look at this face...How can I not be a happy person?! =)
A dog is a huge, long term commitment & the decision to get one should not be taken lightly. But y'all, I can promise you that there is nothing more rewarding that opening the door at 5 o'clock and seeing that smiling face & wagging tail! It can turn the worst day around in a matter of seconds.
If you are thinking about getting a puppy, check out the PuppySpot! I am a huge advocate of adopting a rescue/shelter puppy, but I know the uncertainty & unknown is not for everyone. Check out these sweet babies looking for homes as well!
What a sweetheart! Pets are great! We have three cats...although, one is more like a dog than a cat - he always greets me at the door when I come home & begs for attention. No jokes, he paws at me & cries until I pick him up. Plus, he's the size of a small dog - 15 pounds. I asked my husband one day when we were just laying in bed playing with Tyrion what our life would be like without him. He's my special boy, that's for sure. :)
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