You could say your first pet is your first taste of responsibility, but I would beg to differ that my first dog is a mouthful of responsibility, combined with patience, stamina, and determination. Wyatt constantly tests my motherly skills by having the energy of nine dogs combined and hopping onto my lap no matter where I am headed. The little pup has been attached to my hip, and I cannot believe how fast time has been flying by for us. We have made it through our first six months, and hopefully these were the hardest.

Wyatt has eaten the couch, my clothes, my favorite books, my food, and almost everything else in sight, but I still love him.

Wyatt has become Harry Houdini, and knows how to escape his crate no matter what we do, but I still love him.

Wyatt has tracked his muddy paws all over my car (somehow missing the towel) and has licked every inch of the windows, but I still love him.

Wyatt has pawed my in the face early every morning and tugged at my limbs to get out of bed, but I still love him.

Wyatt has tested my extremely low tolerance for the cold by going on walks and trips to the dog park in rain, snow, or God knows what, but I still love him.

Wyatt has chased every passing woodland creature and barked at most people who wear a hat and sunglasses, but I still love him.

Wyatt has practically driven me nuts, caused a hole in my checking account, and expended most of my energy within minutes, but I still love him.

My point is that four paws may be difficult to keep up with, but I am learning every day as to how to be a better mother. I have been blessed with the tail that keeps wagging, even when I fail or lose my temper. I am grateful for his sloppy kisses, especially when I am having a bad day. I am a better person, because Wyatt is a part of me.

Thank you, Wyatt, for our first six months together, and preparing me for a lifetime of puppy lovin’, I love you.