Today I'm thankful for Barkley.

11/9/19

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I've actually spent every day of the past 8 and 1/2 years being thankful for Barkley. He's the perfect dog. I know I'm biased, but I'm pretty sure it would take approximately 4.2 seconds for him to win over even the most difficult of critics.

I didn't really grow up with pets. We had a number of fish throughout my childhood and my sister had a few hamsters here and there, but I never became super attached. We did have a couple of cats for a brief time, but we discovered my dad was allergic, so they didn't live with us for long.

When I decided to get a dog, I had my contractor install the smallest doggie door we could find. I wanted my dog to have access to the backyard while I was at work, but I wanted the doggie door to be small enough that a human couldn't fit through. I then went to the shelter on the lookout for a sweet, friendly dog that would fit through the doggie door. Barkley fit the bill!

The second I saw Barkley I knew he needed to come home with me. What I didn't know, though, was how much it was possible to love an animal. It didn't take me long to discover, and now I can hardly remember my life BB (before Barkley).

For those who haven't had the pleasure of meeting my pup, he is the friendliest, snuggliest, most loving creature that exists. He is absolutely convinced that every human that walks through our door is there for the sole purpose of petting him, and he takes his self-proclaimed mission of 'ultimate welcoming committee' very, very seriously. Barkley loves a good walk or game of 'throw my tennis ball,' but not more than he loves snuggling and napping.

Today was a lazy Saturday -- perfect for snuggling and napping. And I'm grateful to have spent most of it with Barkley velcro-ed to my side.