Happy Birthday to our 1st baby!

Today is Denver's 12th birthday! I can not believe we have had her that long. . .yet I can not remember a day with out her. She is truly a gift from God that I could not be more thankful to have received. I know it sounds silly, but she really did change my life. . .a true demonstration of unconditional love, forgiveness and joy. I will admit, I often find myself trying to behave more like her! I remember when we picked her out. . .it was a month and a half after our wedding and a few days before Brey was scheduled to go to the field. As usual, I traveled the entire time he was away. 3 days before he was scheduled to come home, I picked up my precious puppy. I put her in a box on the front seat of my car and made the hour drive from Nashville to Clarksville, Tennessee. I slept next to her crate those first few nights and got up with her more times then I ever did with Gracie. And then came the call. . .Brey would not be able to come home until a high tech piece of equipment was "found" (or turned in. . .everyone knew someone had stolen a pair of night vision goggles). The first time Brey met Denver (as our puppy) was at a Company Meeting with 100 angry wives. This was the first time sweet NeNe was able to calm the crowd. Everyone oooh'd and ahhh'd over her and then I put her back in the travel box and headed home. After a few more days together, her true personality began to shine. I actually had bruises on the backs of my arms from her "sneak attacks"! I remember Brey calling from the one spot in the field that would get a cell connection and all I could do was cry and say "I don't know what to do with her. . .I may have to take her back!" I still laugh out loud every time I think of it:) Daddy finally came home and it took all of 12 hours for her to start sleeping in our bed and she had gone from a Momma's girl to Daddy's girl by nightfall on day 2. Some things will never change! I often credit her with saving our marriage during those first few years. When we'd disagree and not know how to make-up, she would often be what brought us back together. What a priceless gift! She would go everywhere with us. . .day trips, road trips, shopping trips. . .it did not matter as long as she was riding on Daddy's lap. We would come back to the car and she would be curled up in my seat. . .it became a game to see if we could see her before she saw us. No matter what we threw at this dog, she would roll with punches. Beaux definitely wreaked havoc on her lifestyle, but even he adores her! A lot has changed for Denver in 12 years, but she has only become more loving and more loyal. I know this might be a bit much for "non-dog" people, but I kid you not, this animal is a blessing that I count second only to Brey and Gracie. I am so thrilled that Gracie loves her as much as we do. Every morning she comes in to our room and cuddles her on our bed. I often find her laying next to Denver just petting her head or telling her what a good dog she is. It is so precious to see her develop Brey's love of animals. So tonight I thank my Heavenly Father for this gift that He has used over and over again to teach me and to love on me. . .I will cherish each day we have to spend with her!.