Truth be told, we don’t actually know when his birthday is. He was a rescue, and when we adopted him in December, we were told he was two years old. But after working with our trainer in January/February, she estimated him to be more like 18 months. So I decided that July 31st was going to be his birthday, because it’s Harry Potter’s birthday, and that makes it the perfect date, don’t you agree?

Neither of us were prepared for how tough it was going to be to add another pup to our family, but it’s been worth it! When we first brought Sirius home, Matt & I were both worried we’d made a huge mistake- Sirius was aggressively playful with Lily, super possessive over food, and a maniacal barker at anything that moved outside. It was a rough first few weeks, yet slowly-but-surely, he’s started to soften.

Rescue dogs are WORTH IT! We have no idea what his situation was before he came to us, but judging by the high levels of anxiety over food and separation, I’m guessing it wasn’t a good spot. Knowing that bringing him into our home has helped ease him into a less stressful life has been such an amazing journey, and it’s taught me so much about the importance of long-term vision! It would have been easier to give him up after the first few weeks of frustration, but then where would he be? Back at the shelter, once again homeless. Bringing him into our home has taught Matt & I the importance of rigid discipline, a schedule, and what it looks like to put someone/thing else’s needs above our own comfort at times. So yeah, it’s been hard at points over the last half year, but we’re better off because of this crazy pup!

Sirius, bud, we love you to death. Your crazy play tactics, your insatiable desire to catch cats, and your sweet cuddles, I can’t imagine home anymore without you and your booming barks!