Born on the Fourth of July

One year ago today, we celebrated America's birthday in typical fashion. We visited Bill's family in Ohio, dressed in red, white and blue, had a cookout, and took the kids to see the fireworks. While we were celebrating, a litter of Labrador puppies was born, which included one special chocolate colored one. We met this puppy a month and a half later and our lives were forever changed.

Last year at about this same time, we were talking about getting the girls a puppy. As much as I wanted a pet, I couldn't imagine my life with a dog in it. I had never owned a dog and thought with two kids, adding a puppy to the mix would just make life more difficult.

I couldn't have been more wrong. The day Laci came into our lives was one of the happiest days in my memory. While I was nervous about what it would be like to have a dog, I was instantly smitten. Sure the first month or so was a challenge. I'd never owned a dog, much less raised a puppy. I spent much of my day taking her out to potty, training her, keeping her from chewing up everything in sight, and helping the girls get used to having a puppy at their heels. I also enjoyed playing with her, cuddling with her and watching how much the girls loved having her around.

Because I'd never owned a dog, I didn't understand how so many people were so crazy about theirs. I'd always been a cat person and just didn't get how people could stand having a dog up in their faces, jumping on them, and barking at all hours of the night.

Until now.

Laci is one of the sweetest dogs I've ever been around. She's loyal, loving, gentle with the girls, and so incredibly smart. I couldn't imagine life with a dog, but now I just can't imagine life without her.

So as we celebrate America's birthday this year, we also celebrate the birth of our sweet Laci Lulu puppy, who was born on the 4th of July.

Happy birthday, Laci!