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

[lovemyshiba]

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):


Here they are chasing him over the couch:




On the bed:


Look how tiny he was!!!!!


He found a safe (although uncomfortable, I'm sure) spot to lay:


Awwwwww!!!!!

[lovemyshiba]

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.

[Holly's mom]

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:

[lovemyshiba]

Some new pictures of the little bugger:

[wolfie]

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

[wolf_Q]

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

[primabella]

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

[DogLover9501]

Awwww! I haven't seen those!

Happy early Gotcha day Riley!!

[Christiansmommy]

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

[amoore]

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.

[ramanth]

Happy Gotcha Day Riley!

[tatsxxx11]

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 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!

[countrycowgirl]

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

[Stenograsaurus]

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

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

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