one down, many many more to go

Today is Freddie's adoptiversary. I don't even know if that's a word, but I'm sticking with it. We don't know when his birthday is, and frankly, we don't even know how old he is. But we do know that one year ago today, we brought home this little man. And we love him. The other day, I re-read the first post I wrote after we got him and I remember that day like it was yesterday. After a few months of seriously looking for a dog, I remember pretty much giving Jared an ultimatum about Freddie, before we even met him. I just knew that he was going to be the one. Jared wasn't so sure, but I was. And I was right.

As soon as we got in the car on the way home, I panicked (as I'm prone to do). There have definitely been more moments of panic since that day, but mostly, just moments of joy. Freddie is such a snuggler, whether you're sitting in a chair at the kitchen table (he climbs in your lap) or are laying in bed. Our friend who watched him a bunch while we were out of town last summer described him as "the middle spoon"--as in, he likes to weasel his way in between the two people in the bed. What can I say? He's just a lover.

He loves to run, and I don't think he's ever as happy as he is when we take him to the big dog park and he can just sprint his little heart out for an hour. I swear, you can actually see him smiling while he runs. It kind of kills me, in the best way possible. He has such a distinct personality, he truly is his own dog.

Having had a dog while I was growing up, it's not like I didn't know how much love and joy these little (or big) creatures can bring to you. But I never anticipated how happy this guy would make me. And my heart is just full.