Anouk's 1st Birthday
It's Anouk's 1st Birthday!!
It's hard to believe this little goofball is already a year old. I share a lot of photos of Anouk, however, I felt as though this was the perfect occasion to show some of her puppy-hood that I haven't previously blogged.
Just a warning, they're pretty darn cute.
Maybe really darn cute.
She was so little in this. It was a couple days after we adopted her while we were living in Walpole for the summer. I loved how soft and squishy she was, but the days of house and crate training were not as lovable. Still wouldn't trade it for the world.
The carefree days of napping in the grass under the maple tree. The yard at the farm was so large, I can't imagine how immense it must have looked to Anouk.
There haven't been many days where Anouk and I haven't gone for a walk.
I can't think of a single day where she hasn't made me smile.
She sure is a keeper.
Even if she can't stand staying still for a photo (unless there's a treat involved).
And I sure do hope there are many more beach days in our future. Ps. Bayview Beach in Maine is pup-friendly, and much less crowded than your traditional well-known beaches.
It's remarkable how much changes in a year, and how much has in both of us. Anouk has made me a more confident person. She's taught me to take the path that works for us, even if it's not accepted by others. She's accompanied me for thousands of miles in my car...with the towering contents of my apartment falling on her. I would look back in my rear view mirror before taking life-changing trips to many, many destinations to find her soulful eyes looking into mine, reassuring me that everything would be okay. Even after a long day sitting in her crate, she still greets me like I put the stars in the sky when she has every right to complain. I don't deserve Anouk, which is exactly why I need her. On paper, I'm sure adopting a puppy in graduate school isn't the most orthodox way of doing things, in fact, people probably thought I was insane. But frankly, it was one of the best "adult" decisions I've made. Anouk has never stopped reminding me to live in the present, or that I am worthy of happiness. Charles Schultz knew exactly what he was talking about when he said "happiness is a warm puppy". Because much of my happiness comes from a very, very good girl.
I love you, Anouk.
Love,
Shan