I love this doggie dog

Since I was a little girl, I have asked for a dog at every Christmas. My mom and I would have the same conversation each time.

"What do you want for Christmas Sarah?"

"I want a dog."

"Well, you have a brother."

"But mom, David is not a dog."

"Go play with your brother."

And, so, my parents chose to have David instead of asking me what I would have done. Of course, I would have requested a dog! (Sorry David!)

So, this past spring my co-worker Deb was planning to get rid of her Miniature Schnauzer Bows (pronounced B-ooooow--sss) and I offered to take her, because she does not shed and wouldn't cause my allergies to flair up.

The day I went to pick her up I was so excited. I stopped at PetSmart and bought my last minute supplies. (David and I had gone to pick out a leash and collar for her earlier in the week.)

I had informed my friends and boyfriend and brother that I was getting a dog, but I had not told my parents. I knew they would say "Sarah you can't afford a dog" or some other typical parent response.

Well, I picked her up and she went willingly into my car for a car ride. Then we drove to my parents' house. I opened their door and let her run inside. Immediately, my parents were excited to see a dog, but did not understand why I had one.

"Sarah whose dog is this?"

"It's mine."

"Are you dog sitting?"

"Nope, she is mine."

From that day on, they have loved her to pieces. When I moved home for a month before Matt and I moved into our house, she gained so much weight. My dad would save her leftovers from every meal and my mom and Bows have an afternoon snack of cheese and crackers. :-)

While Bows is 9 years old, she still has lots of life left in her. She does not have any teeth, but that does not stop her from eating, playing or chewing on Matt's pants. She is a great cuddler, loves walks and car rides, and is the perfect "practice" child before we have kids. She follows me everywhere and hates to be alone, so I try to take her with me when I can. Someday I tell David I am going to get a big purse and take her into Target, because she is a great shopper. :-)