Happy Birthday, Gracie!

Today is July 27th. The day my beloved Cocker Spaniel, Gracie Renee Isabella Hunter came into the world. She came into my life some time later in September of 2008, for my 9th birthday. I had been begging my parents for a mammalian pet, as my only other pets had been betta fish and a Russian box tortoise. I thought a rabbit would be perfect because I figured a dog was totally out of the question, but my parents shocked me and did the unexpected. Dad told me "Today you will meet somebody who will change your life" and he couldn't have been more right. When they placed a warm little puppy in my arms I was entirely surprised and completely elated. I think that was the first time I cried happy tears.

These photos was taken the day we got her. If she isn't just the cutest thing you've ever seen...

She was quite the avid swimmer in the pool at our California house.

We threw her quite the first birthday party.

She's so cuddly and adorable. I can't even take it.

She tried to befriend my tortoise, Tina.

She's so very patient with me.

She keeps us all safe from funnybusiness.

We had to get her a new tag so she knew exactly how much we loved her.

This lovely canine is consistently in the middle of everything we do...

...packing...

...the making of her own bed...

...picking out paint colors...

...homework...

I love this dog so very much, and my family often wonders whether she knows just how special she is to us. Anyway, I'd like to celebrate her and all her fluffy wonderfulness.

Happy Birthday, Gracie!