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Happy Fourth Gotcha Day to Our Dog Baxter!

The beginning of July is Baxter’s “Gotcha Day.”

This year is the fourth anniversary since Baxter came to live with us. Inspired by Tracey at Love lives on, I have a tradition of writing a letter to Baxter on the anniversary of his gotcha day. You can see the letters from year 1 , year 2 and Baxter’s adoption story on my blog. Since I started writing for ThatMutt.com, I’ve been sharing the letters with all of you, starting with last year’s third anniversary letter.

Dear Baxter,

Can you believe it’s been four years? I imagine you’re probably saying, “Four years? What? I’m all about now.” I like how dogs live in the moment, and it’s something I try to practice often when we’re together.

A sunbeam, a hike, a good neck scratch, a soft bed. It doesn’t take much to make you happy. I’m grateful that you make it so easy for us. We knew from the start that you were a pretty mellow dude, and that has not changed.

I’ve probably changed more than you over the past four years—early wake-ups so that we can go for a walk before work, driving to weekend hikes, extra money on vacuums to deal with all of your fur. I don’t begrudge any of these things and love what you’ve brought to our life.

I’ve seen a few changes from you over the past year. You’re a bit slower now, and I can see your hip is stiff some days. You’re a little more grouchy and opinionated sometimes. But usually your easy-going nature wins out.

I love how people ask how old you are when we’re hiking. You’re so wiggly and excited to meet everyone that you seem like a puppy. But the rest of the time, you’re an old man. Your commitment to snuggling and sleeping is fun to watch.

I’ve enjoyed spending more time with you this year and doing some different things now that my work schedule has changed. There are going to be some more changes coming, and I hope that we get to have even more time together. We certainly have a lot of fun.

Happy fourth gotcha day.

Love,
Julia

How long have the rest of you had your dogs?

 

Sylv

Wednesday 12th of July 2017

Happy Gotcha (plus two) day!

Suki came home with us on September 2, 2008, at three months of age. Diva joined us in June, 2011, when she 18 months old. I don't know the exact date, as it started on a trial basis to see if the girls would get along. And although they aren't buddies and don't really play together much, they do co-exist quite happily.

Lindsay Stordahl

Wednesday 12th of July 2017

I'm so glad they get along well. Mine live their own lives too but I'm thankful they get along.

Lindsay Stordahl

Monday 10th of July 2017

Happy Gotcha Day, Baxter! I've had Ace for more than 10 years now! I got him in March 2007. Apparently his birthday is also around March 1 so we celebrate the two together each year. We just had Remy's 1st anniversary in April. Time flies!

Julia at Home on 129 Acres

Monday 10th of July 2017

I love blending birthday and gotcha day. You've got such a nice relationship with Ace. I'm curious where you and Remy will be in 10 years.

Barbara Rivers

Monday 10th of July 2017

Aww, happy fourth gotcha day!! My pups have been with me since they were 8 weeks young, and they'll turn 6 on July 29. Where has the time gone??! Sometimes it feels just like yesterday when I had to carry them home from an "exhausting" outing on our apartment complex grounds, lol.

Julia at Home on 129 Acres

Monday 10th of July 2017

Aww. That's so great that you've been together for basically all their lives. There are still days I think I'm going to have to carry Bax home! Although he's no where near puppy size and definitely not carry-able. It sounds like you have some super cute memories with your guys.