So, I've had my Daisy for three years now since I rescued her from Sac. animal shelter.

And over the years, she's had a lot of fun visiting the neighbor's backyards, taking her own walks, and generally scaring the hell out of me every time I noticed the was gone. Then I would panic and bicycle around till I found her. Thankfully, I always did except for one time; when she hid real deep in her doghouse and didn't respond to when I called for her.

After an hour of me being a complete mess and lecturing my dad on how he forgot to close the fence gate, she poked her head out as if "can't a girl get any sleep around here?!".

mwahaha

So, I realize, I've been taking her for granted too much. And she's almost eight now, and I want to cherish every moment with her since when I was younger I was pretty much the annoying little stinker who didn't understand the concept of time/life/death fully.

I hope she notices that she walks on a different trail with different scents and different dogs and different people and different dead worms almost every morning.

And that she has full rights to be in the house, even on the carpet, because she wasn't allowed to be here for the first couple of months.

And I want to appreciate the fact that she came potty trained, able to walk on the leash, and be the best guard dog eveeeeeeeer. Also that she tolerates the bunny. Even puts up with the her nuzzling her.

The star shines brightest when it is a few years from burning out.  I'm just glad I've grown up enough to fully love her.

-Emily