When your Daddy told me he was getting you, I was none too pleased. After all, he was in Indiana and I was in North Carolina. I was so upset because I was not able to be there when you were picked out. I was coming to Indiana a couple days later and knew I needed to get a grip on the whole situation. I wanted a dog, but I wasn't ready for one.

Seth sent me a picture of you and even though you were cute, I still wasn't having it. I asked what kind of dog you were and your Dad told me a "Mini Australian Shepard," which was definitely a breed we had not even talked about. Over the next few hours, I was upset and did not feel like backing down yet.

You may ask, "It's a dog, why were you upset"? Well, Seth is in the military and would be gone on and off so I was just really worried because dogs are work, especially a puppy.

Well I got to Indiana, and kinda fell in love with you. All the maybe 4lbs you weighed. You were the snuggliest, sweetest, tiny little thing and I just loved your face. The week went by and we formed a little bond, and I was actually sad when I had to go back home without you. Seth was gone for the next month so I missed that pup so much.

We had quite the time with you in the beginning. You had parasites and bronchitis within the first two months of having you. The cough was the saddest thing ever and would keep you up all night.

Also, potty training sucks!

Once we got those things squared away, you were perfect. Growing slowly but surely. I enjoyed watching your tiny little puppy teeth fall out and the new big teeth come in. Your ears got bigger and fluffier, and you got taller. My long legged little princess.

You absolutely love any and all bones to chew on, and the bigger dog bone the better. You listen to Daddy pretty well without the leash and have learned a few commands.

Overall these past 9 months of having you in our little family, it has been so fun. You're the craziest pain in my ass, but yet can be the sweetest thing at the same time. You now weigh 10.4 lbs and seem to be staying at about that weight, which I surprisingly enjoy after growing up with a big dog.

Happy Birthday my little Stinky (Fenway)! Mommy and Daddy love you so much and can't wait to have you around for many more years. Here's to many more bones and lots of fun!

xoxo, Mommy