In June of 2014, a fat little puppy came to live with us. Emma  was doted on during all her waking hours and mine. She is a field bred English cocker spaniel.

I told her jokes and she laughed at the appropriate times.

She loved tearing around in the backyard and posing for photos.

The stairs in the house were a huge challenge for her, as her legs were very short and her bum was quite plump.

“Are you serious? ME? Go down those stairs?”

“I think I’ll just wait right here. With any luck, Anneli will carry me down the stairs.”

“How nice of Anneli to leave her Birkenstocks for me to chew the straps out of.”

“It’s my birthday today. I’m five years old.”

“Did I hear someone say birthday cake?” 

“Bring it on!”

Happy 5th birthday, Emma. Now she’s old enough to go to Kindergarten.