Squirrel Patrol: November 2014

Happy one-year "gotcha" day!!!

It's hard to believe a year has gone by. Time flies when you're having fun, or something like that. You've firmly ensconced yourself into this family and all of our hearts, and you manage to completely charm just about everyone who crosses your path with your winsomeness and enthusiasm.

You're (partially) responsible for getting me into trail running, and you're my favorite running buddy. (Even when you do try to trip me to go after a lizard.) Your enthusiasm and insistence on getting out daily is a good motivator, as is the cold wet nose in my ear when I don't comply with my alarm clock.

Dog training has been an on-the-job-learning experience since day one, and I'm still learning. Fortunately for me, you're endlessly forgiving. You're also stubborn, silly, independent, sweet, smart, cuddly, earnest, quirky, frustrating, endearing, sensitive, loyal, empathetic...a larger-than-life personality all crammed into 24-pounds of energy and athleticism.

You love trips to the barn, pestering your pony "big sister" and snatching hoof trimmings when I'm not looking. You love people and other dogs with an abundance of enthusiasm...fortunately the majority of them love you back. You've gotten to experience the fun of camping (and the one time you get to share mommy's bed!), decided you are not a swimmer (although mud puddles are fair game), and delight in trail running. You've pushed the boundaries of what any dog in this house has been allowed to do and are the first to ever be allowed on any piece of furniture. You are a connoisseur of every dog toy invented, and I'll be the first to admit I spoil you rotten with new ones. (This may be somewhat self-serving, as an occupied puppy is a happy puppy.)

You're not perfect, but even your naughty antics are entertaining. You apparently have a sock fetish (just leave my expensive running socks alone, please!), you enjoy shredding sticks and tree bark, you drag towels around the house, and tear up tissue and toilet paper rolls. Your leash manners are questionable at best...but it;s hard to get mad at you when your behavior stems from intelligence, curiosity, and impishness.

You've seen me through many ups and downs this year...celebrated my joy and licked away my tears. When I'm upset, you're right there offering a cuddle -- or a toy, depending on whether I need a laugh or cry. You've been my motivator on days I haven't wanted to even get out of bed, a cornerstone of emotional well-being, and my best friend.

Thank you, Artemis, for being the bestest girl ever...I don't think I could wish for a better first dog of my very own. Here's looking forward to many, many more years together.

Love,
Your Mommy

Presenting a year of Artemis...

in pictures!