MacKenzie turns 3!

I cannot believe that my little puppy is three years old today! Sometime people ask me if my parents got MacKenzie for Jackson and me as bait to have grandchildren- I always tell them that if that was their plan it backfired. Big time. (Above is my very favorite family photo- EVER! And yes, that little black puppy had turned into our little white dog.)

When MacKenzie was attacked by a coyote this year my heart broke into 6,000,000,000 pieces. I felt like my world was ending. Dramatic? Not at all. I love this pooch. I felt so much anguish that she was in pain and there was nothing I could do for her. She was so scared. She was so happy to see us when we found her. I'll never forget crying my eyes out in the Vet's office at midnight. I had to catch a morning flight the next day. I slept on that plane like I'd never slept in my life. The emotional roller coaster of the night before left me exhausted. MacKenzie has since healed. One would never know that she was even hurt. I know, though. I'll never forget how close we came to losing her. She's such a special part of our little family. I cannot imagine life without her happy little spirit.

We have more fun with MacKenzie than I ever knew was possible. Jackson takes her everywhere with him: to the grocery, to the gas station, on hikes, etc. He loves that little dog. She sits beside us when we watch sports and barks when we (I) yell at the television. She loves to snuggle during sad movies. She's the perfect companion. When I think about how much I love MacKenzie I cannot imagine how a parent feels.

Anyway, she's our precious (Republican) girl. Happy birthday, MacKenzie. We love you!