My dearest Wynston,
Today is your 4th birthday. Can you believe it?! When I brought you home at six months old in February 2012, I wondered whether you’d make it through the next few months. I never knew that a little black and white Chihuahua, once malnourished and traumatized, could change my life.
You really DID change my life. Remember when I was working looong days as a banker? Gosh, I definitely don’t miss those days and I know you don’t either. I hated to leave you at home (with the cats!) all day. But you hung in there with me. I know it took a long time for you to trust anything but I appreciate you’re willingness to love me anyways.
Fast forward to spring 2013. I left my banking job which gave me a lot more time with you. I started to really focus on your fear and trust issues, and it didn’t take long for you to start coming around. By May you won 2nd place King Chihuahua at the Chihuahua festival and races! That was seriously the proudest moment of my life. You know why? Because when I rescued you I could fit my entire hand around your body. You didn’t want to play with other dogs. You didn’t want people to come near you. But here you were, doing tricks on stage in front of a crowd of people. You had come such a long way.
Then it happened. Your dad came into our life. I remember the very first time you met him. He would come to the house to take care of you and the cats while I was at my new job, which made me a lot less stressed out about leaving you. I know you were skeptical at first but you eventually learned that your dad loved you very, very much and he was going to do anything to earn your trust.
In July 2013, I got you a house! Well, it was a house for all of us, but I was so thrilled to have a ton of space for you to run and play, including a backyard where you could do whatever you wanted all the time. That was a huge turning point for all of us. More of my life started revolving around you as we grew closer. By Christmas time, I was so excited about my current life as a dog mom, that I decided to blog about it! That’s when Dog Mom Days was born. I wanted to share our journey with everyone. It’s been a very exciting one!
So here we are. September 11, 2015. You are 4 years old. Wow. I can’t believe all of the amazing opportunities I have been able to give you. You’ve accomplished SO much and you really make me the proudest mom ever. You’ve won ribbons at agility trials, modeled several times for PetSmart, were a VIP at the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, went to the beach many times, played in snow for the first time, were published in brochures and ads….the list goes on. And you’re only 4. Imagine the possibilities life still has for us.
My dearest Wynston, when I say you’re the love of my life, I mean it. If I had nothing else – no house, car, money – if I still had you, I would be okay. You remind me that life is too short to not chase your dreams. Life is too short to be fearful. It’s okay to trust people. And unconditional love does exist.
Because of you, I now get to stay home all day, play with you and write about it! It’s the best life ever. I love the fact that my entire life revolves around animals, and if it weren’t for you, that would not be the case. Thank you being the shining light in my life that allowed me to move forward with my dreams.
I love you,
Your mom.
Elaine says
What a wonderful letter! He, and the others including dad, make your life complete. Winston does have a lot ahead of him with all that he does. Wishing Wynston a Very Happy Birthday!
Amanda says
Thank you so much Elaine! We appreciate the birthday wishes and kind words!
DZ Dogs says
Very sweet…
M. K. Clinton says
Happy birthday, Wynston. If we are really lucky, there is that one dog in our lives that changes everything. I’m glad that you found yours. ♥
Amanda says
Thank you Melissa!
Heatherlynn says
This is so sweet and it really brought a tear to my eye. It made me think of my own relationship with Chuleta and that I tell her constantly that she is the first love of my life. Happy birthday to Wynston and congrats to the two of you on all you have achieved over the past four years!
Amanda says
You are too kind. If I sit and think about how far he’s come, I definitely get teary eyed. The bond that we can have with a dog is truly irreplaceable.