Someone's special day is tomorrow.....

And it's my little Riley bear!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow will be one year since I took that trip to the SPCA, and the woman in the parking lot was getting rid of her pup. I remember it so well. I was just getting ready to leave, and a woman was yelling to me: "do you want a puppy?" Now, we were moving into our house in 4 days, had 2 dogs already, and so much to do--I tried to say no, really, I did. But when she got closer and I saw the little black furball in her hands, I melted, and took him immediately. I called my husband on the way home, and he could hear the pup whining in the background--"What did you do?" was his first question. I told him it was ok, I just took a pup from a lady so he didn't have to go to the awful shelter, and that we would just keep him a few days and turn him over to a local rescue. Sure. I brought him to my husband's office, and he loved him too--a quick trip to the vet to make sure he was healthy, and home we went to meet the other 2!!!!!

I know most of you have already seen these pictures, but I love to see them---he was so tiny!!!!

Here he is hiding under the desk (he was sooooo scared of Kito and Abbey at first):
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...c/fc6e719c.jpg

Here they are chasing him over the couch:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...1/fc6e56e4.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...e/fc6e56e3.jpg

On the bed:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...c/fc6e56df.jpg

Look how tiny he was!!!!!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...0/fc6e56d7.jpg

He found a safe (although uncomfortable, I'm sure) spot to lay:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...b/fc6e56d5.jpg

Awwwwww!!!!!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...9/fc6e56d1.jpg

It sure has been an exciting year with this little one!!!
From the frustration of potty training him--he was very specific about where he would and wouldn't go--to his severe crate anxiety and separation anxiety--he was the hardest dog for me!!

But it's all worth it. I'm so proud of him today, because he is the most pleasant dog around. Never growls or gets upset--if one of his big sisters (the bullies) takes a toy from him, he just goes and finds another one, no problem.
I like to think that besides for jumping the gates and chasing his ball around, one of his favorite things to do is curl up with his momma and snuggle up real close and sleep.
He's so excited about everything, and lives his life in anticipation of when he'll get a treat!!!!!
His tail is constantly wagging, and if not, it's only because he's asleep, and even then, all I have to do is say his name, and the little tail starts going.

I love you Riley, and I'm so glad you came into my life.

Congratulations on having your puppers for one year! What a sweetie! :) It was so wonderful of you to take him home and save him from the shelter. And what a joy he has turned out to be! I just love this picture:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...1/fc6e56e4.jpg

Some new pictures of the little bugger:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...9/f93b2c98.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...b/f93b2b54.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...9/f93b2ac0.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...6/f9f4603e.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...0/f9f46232.jpg

Oh, look how big he got! He's so adorable, congrats!

I remember when you brought him home! :D Riley is SUCH a cute dog, and I know he was meant to be with you! :)

He's adorable! I'm so happy he found a home with you :D I remmeber that picture of him by the computer so well. he was soo tiny! Happy Gotcha Day Riley! :D Here's to many more!

Awwww! I haven't seen those!

Happy early Gotcha day Riley!!

I remember you telling us of the story about how you ended up with him when this all came to be...time flies, can't believe it has been a year already !! I love the pic of him on the night stand, you should do a now and then on the night stand, LOL!!

Anyway, he surely landed in the right hands on that, what could have been, dreadful day at the shelter...but you were his angel!!

Congrats to you both for finding each other!

Robyn

Cogratulations to you and your Riley bear on being together for a year! :)

All your puppers are so pretty! Thankyou for sharing this special time and the wonderful pictures with us.:)

Happy Gotcha Day Riley! :D

Happy Gotcha Day, precious, precious Riley Bear!:) Oh, seeing his puppy pics brought back a wave of happy memories! What an adorable little baby boy you were Riley!:) You sure did find some novel places to take a nap:D Can you imagine anyone handing over a beautiful bundle of fur like Riley without a second thought??? But what a happy day that was for all of you! Emily, I adore each and every one of your kids. But...being a Labbie mom myself, Riley has always held a tad extra special place in my heart;) Have a VERY happy Gotch Day celebration sweet Riley Bear!

OH RILEY YOU ARE SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BOY AND MY HOW YOU HAVE GROWN .....CONGRATS:D :D :D

My, how you have grown. Happy Gotcha Day!!!!

Happy Gotcha Day, Riley and family!! What a super handsome fella you are!!

:D Happy Gotcha Day to you Adorable Riley! :D

Heehee, he looks so sweet on the nightstand! Puppy pics are the best.

Has it really been a year Emily?

I remember your first posting about your sweet baby boy and I just can't believe that it's been a year already! Doesn't time just fly when your having fun:D

Riley you are one lucky pup to have ended up with your wonderful family and I hope you all have many, many more years together!!!!

Luv ya boy!
Anna, Angus, Roxey & Huney

A whole year for Riley!!! My how you have grown!!! He was such a cute puppy and is now such a a handsome dog :)

Happy Gotcha Day Riley-Bear :)

Happy Gotcha Day Riley!!! :D

What a lovely young boy you have become and what a lucky one to have found such a wonderful family. Someone was looking out for you that day. :)

Gosh Emily I remember so well the first few posts about Riley. What an amazing thing that you happened to be there at just the right time. I too remember the night stand pic! LOL! Riley, you don't know it but you could have NEVER landed in a better home. Congrats to the whole family!! :)

Thanks everyone for your wonderful comments!!!!

We'll be having a special celebration for Riley today--I have to go to the pet store for some extra special treats, and some new toys!!!!!!!

Happy Gotcha Day Riley!

Happy Gotcha Day Riley, you sure have grown a lot!! :)

Have a Wonderful Gotcha Day Riley!!!!

I,too remember the day your Mommy Brought you Home!!!!

What a Wonderful Forever Home You Found!!!!!!

Congratulations on your first Year,Riley Bear!!!!

Happy Gotcha day, Riley!

You sure have grown!:)

You and your mommy are so lucky to have found each other.

Well.... I just joined last week or the week before or something so I don't remember. But.... he sure has gotten big!!!

Happy Gotcha Day Riley! I love the pictures on the nightstand and desk but even all grown up you are adorable!

I have only just seen this thread now.

My oh my Riley you have grown into one handsome man :D

I hope you had a great "Gotcha Day" Riley, And here's to many, many more.

http://www.smiliegenerator.de/s23/smilies-41804.png

awww.. Happy gotcha day Riley!! :)

Thanks for bumping this up!!
Riley and Emily I am so sorry I missed this thread last month. (It was around the time my grandma got sick so that is my only excuse!!)
I remember that story so well. He has certainly grown into a gorgeous boy!!!! I am so glad you took him into your heart and home!!!
Happy Gotcha Day (plus one month)!!!

Hugs to everyone!!!!!

Wow.... They get so big so fast! I wish I'd been around when you first got him, but at least I get to see the end results! :D Happy Gotcha Day, Riley!

Riley,

Better late than never ............ Happy Gotcha Day sweet boy!!!

BOY, how time flies!!!

It seems like just the other day that I rmember seeing the first posts about him!!


Happy gotch day sweet Riley boy!!
Hope mum spoiled you!