It's National Darby Day!

A year ago today I became the very proud adoptive mother of my sweet dog, Darby. I wish you could've seen his hopeful little face in a cage at the animal shelter when I stopped at him. It'd break your heart. His little nub of a tail wiggled back and forth, and he was eager to see if I'd be willing to give him a chance and take him home. He was so thin, ribs and back bone showing, yet so obedient, I fell in love. He didn't know how to bark or play with toys in the beginning, and was deathly afraid of going in the bathroom. I can only guess that's where his previous owners kept him locked up. Yet he was already house-trained and will dutifully listen to anything I ask him to do. I wish you could see him now. Run of the house. Two healthy meals a day with dry food down for his leisurely snacking pleasure. Toys all over the house. Treats (he even has his own treat jar that sits on the counter in the kitchen). Well-traveled (he's been to Huntsville, AL, and St. George Island, FL, not to mention trips to his grandparents and friends, already this year). Currently, tucked under my comforter in my bed fast asleep. He landed in a good place - a soft spot. And yet as much as I do for him, truthfully, he's the one that helped me through a hard time in my life. He's my baby. (geez, can you imagine what I'll be like when I have real kids if I talk like this about my dog?!)

(he's got chocolate brown eyes, instead of creepy blue. but it's late and I don't feel like doctoring the photo tonight)