Love at first sight.

Ernie was my best friend, and on November 6, 2011, I had to say goodbye to him. After a trip through the McDonald's drive-thru so that my main man could scarf down $20 worth of McDonald's (a Big Mac, a large fry, a chocolate [yes, chocolate] shake, a Filet-o-Fish, a 10-piece nugget) and 20 minutes snuggling in the sun, I was driving home without my buddy and without a huge piece of my life. #brokenheart

Fast forward to May 2012: now a second year veterinary student, a lonely heart leads to far too many visits to PetFinder.com for this girl to resist any longer. I was ready... to be rejected by rescue after rescue. Rescues had various, extremely logical reasons for rejecting my adoption: (1) You don't live in the state of Ohio, (2) You're obviously too busy if you're a veterinary student, (3) You've previously worked for Hill's and we hate their products. Now don't get me wrong, my experience is in shelters. I love rescues. I support rescues. I feel very strongly that people should adopt and avoid breeding. But seriously, folks? Maybe we're defeating our purpose here...

Skip ahead once more to December--- and the arrival of my little man big baby. I had all but given up my search when Chris and I decided to have friends over for some beverages. A text from a friend (poor Kari listened to my constant puppy talk for approx. 6 months at this point...) suggested that I look at our veterinary class's Facebook page: "Look at the 2015 page and you'll have your puppy." Having consumed a responsible amount... I was obviously prepared to make responsible decisions.

The next morning, Chris had to stop me from calling before 9:30 am. #takemyphone

When finally I called, a lovely person named Kim decided that it was just fine that I didn't live in Ohio and had a history with (gasp) Hill's. Oddly enough, she thought it was a good thing that I was a veterinary student--- Kim, you maverick! The pictures of "Bruiser" started rolling in.

This little looker was 27.5 lbs at 8.5 weeks.  He weighed 1 lb. 3 oz at birth on Oct, 3, 2012. He was the third born in a litter of six. He was deaf.

By 11:30, we were in the car on our way to Montrose to meet Kim, John, Miss Georgia Peach (mama) and the two puppies who were still looking for their forever homes--- Bruiser (soon to be Henry) and D.D. (Raja).

The other puppies played; Henry slept in the corner. He was a perfect, chubby, squishy, sleepy little man, content to be resting in his own little world. He happily woke for some puppy-breath scented smooches and my heart was his.

He had a name before we hit the car---Henry. Not only was it the first name the popped into my head, it was also my sister's first suggestion (Aunt Sarah loves her nephew!) and is my father's middle name. It suited him. It stuck. (His official title came a bit later when we realized registering him as "Henry" meant he'd be the eighth Harlequin Dane registered as such... #henrywouldntdecapitateanybody)

Our first car-ride.

Road warrior.

Carrying a 27 pound, 8.5 week old,hearing-impaired puppy to the car, knowing that things had just completely changed, Chris had to talk me off of the ledge. "What did I just do?" Did I mention it was finals week? My better half continued to make the day we lovingly refer to as "PUPPY DAY!" the best experience possible. As I carried my squishy puppy through PetSmart in a complete daze, he collected toys, bowls, food containers, food, treats, leashes, collars, and beds.

Home for our first night, we were both beat--- because my crate was in Rochester with my dad, our first week would be spent snuggling. (Oh darn!) But not before a bath, dinner, a trip outside to start our housebreaking off right. PUPPY DAY! ended with this handsome fellow passing out on the floor. Annie, my roommate, also had to wake me up from the floor and suggest that Henry and I go to bed.

The next ten months would be some of the most fun, hilarious, and snuggle-filled. And on this, the eve of my little man reaching 10 months, it's about time we share our adventures. Bear with me as I try to catch up on the highlights of Henry's first 10 months and bring you to present day. But for now...

Happy 10 months, little dude!