Happy 7th Birthday, Lou!

 

 Lou,it seems like just yesterday we were selecting you from a litter of puppy mill beagles for $225. 

I was so broke that you were paid for by Jim and vaccinated and fixed courtesy of Aunt Donna.

But, I'll be damned if I didn't raise you for that first year.  You ruined all of my stuff and the bedroom in my apartment. 

I remember one time, I wasn't getting paid until the following day, so I couldn't afford any more kibble.  So I fed you a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast.  You sniffed the bowl and looked up at me like, 'Seriously?  You are the worst dog mom ever.'  

But when I came home from work that afternoon, the oatmeal bowl was licked clean. 

I remember on one trip back to Pittsburgh from Allentown, we hit huge hail storm and had to pull over to the side of the road.  You always rode shot gun (would you have it any other way?) and leaped into my lap and cried on the top of your lungs.  At heart, I always knew you were a softie.

In law school, when I was studying with the area heater on my feet, you would always be nearby, basking in the heat of the area heater.

You and I? Kindred spirits. Aside from the whole poop-eating thing.  We both love to be warm and relax.

You were our only child for 3.5 years.  I often wonder how you feel about pack life.  Then I see Jackie spoon feeding you yogurt and mac and cheese and serving you chicken nuggets, and I know.

Happy 7th birthday, Louie!  Here's to 7 more!!!