by Virginia Emrick

Created on: September 16, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Having grown up with dogs, I found it incredibly challenging to move to Los Angeles into an apartment that didn't allow pets. Moving was hard enough but to be "dog-less" was a major adjustment. Unfortunately, my life was too chaotic at the time to own a pet; so, I had to learn to deal with it.

Finally, my situation changed and I brought a little ball of fur into my life. She quickly captured my heart as well as that of everyone around her. The moment I saw her curled up with her sisters, I was hooked.

At a mere two pounds, she looked more like a giant, waddling clump of lint than a dog. Her big brown eyes could cause glaciers to melt and watching her frolic with toys twice her size was more entertaining than any show on television. She always chose them over the little ones. Still does.

As I held her for the first time, she curled up in the crook of my arm and fell fast asleep. I stroked her gently and she opened one eye. Her tiny pink tongue slipped out of her lips and reached out to kiss my arm. I was sold. Before I knew it, we were in the car on the way to her new homemy home, now complete.

Almost a year later, she and I are constant companions going wherever we can together. We take leisurely strolls around the neighborhood to get our exercise. We go for car rides to fun places like the dog park where we make new friends. While I write, she sits happily at my feet chomping a bone or stretched out asleep. When we're apart, I miss her. I believe she misses me too because as soon as I come home to her, she wants hugs and kisses before anything else.

Her needs are simple really: food, water, a warm place to sleep, exercise, and attention. In return, she gives me her unconditional love and a lot of laughs. And honestly, who could ask for more?

She brings happiness with her wherever she goes and touches the hearts of all she meets. She brightens my day and takes away the day-to-day stress of living. I can't imagine life without her and am glad all the pain of yearning for another dog has faded. She is truly part of the family.

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