The Best Holiday Gift of All... "The love of a little dog."

The following post is a contest entry explaining “How My Pet’s Love is My Holiday Gift”.  It is also the story of how Tiffy and I met.  I hope you enjoy the post.

Tiffy

I’d like to introduce you to a very special dog.  Her name is Tiffy.  Tiffy is a 9 pound Yorkshire Terrier who has been my constant companion since the day she walked into my life almost 4 years ago.  I remember it like it was yesterday, that day back in May, 2007.  ” What happened to make our paths cross on that fateful day,” you may be asking?  I was in search of the perfect gift.  For whom?   Myself.  I had an important birthday coming up and I wanted a special present to make it memorable.  Where would I find such a present?  Would it come in a box?  Would it shine and sparkle?  Would it be soft?  Little did I know that this gift would not come in a box.  It would ,however, shine and sparkle and be incredibly warm and soft.  No, it was not diamonds or a luxurious cashmere sweater.  This was a gift of love wrapped in a single pink bow and sparkly collar.  For almost a year, I had been searching for the perfect Yorkie puppy.   One day, I walked into a pet store and there she was.  This furry bundle pushed her little face up against the bars of the cage. She couldn’t have weighed more than 3 pounds.  I asked if she could come out and play and fell instantly in love with her spirit.  She was so playful, and I delighted in watching her tirelessly retrieve the ball every time it was thrown.  Yes, there was no question in my mind.  She was the one.  I had found my new best friend and she had found her new family.

Tiffy Puppy

Tiffy joins our family...

What I didn’t know that day was how much this “gift” would give to me.  From that day on, I had a friend, a true friend.  This tiny soul is always there for me, by my side.

When I need to leave for a while, she patiently waits for me, and is always there to  celebrate my return.

Where are you going?

So happy that you're home!

If I want to go out for a run…

Let's go!

she is a willing partner who is always up for the challenge.  Yet, when I just want to lay around and do nothing at all, she is by my side as well.

Let's just relax today...

She knows all my cooking secrets because she’s watched every step.  She delights in sampling my home-made recipes and is never critical.

What will we cook next?

She makes me smile and laugh with the silly things she does.

Want to play??

She is also there to comfort me when I’m feeling sad.  Somehow she is always able to lift my spirits.

But what about you, Tiffy?  What do you need to make you happy?  Your needs are few…

A warm place to sleep…

A warm place to sleep and my favorite ball...

Something tasty and nutritious to eat..

I love home-made biscuits!

Someone to take you to the doctor when you’re feeling ill..

The Doctor?? I have to go to the Doctor??

But, most of all you need love, and to be a part of our family….

I like to sit on dad's lap.

I enjoy joining mom on adventures.

I like going on walks with my brother.

I enjoy relaxing with my other brother.

You and I take care of each other.  We rely on each other in a special way.  Even though you’ve been part of my life for only a short time, it seems like you’ve been there all along.  I know our time together is relatively short and that we must cherish each moment.  The holidays are that special time when we stop and reflect on the things we are thankful for and cherish.  I have come to realize that the best gift of all is a gift of true friendship and the love of a little dog.

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