three by two: Happy 4th Birthday Lily!

Two weeks ago our sweet Lily turned 4! It's hard to believe she wasn't even 2 when we rescued her, yet it feels like she's been a part of our family forever. When Gouda turned 2 we started a family tradition of steaks to celebrate dog birthdays and anniversaries, which we have continued to this day. It may seem silly to some but our dog will always be a part of our family and we want them to feel celebrated as such. Tom picked up steaks from the butcher Saturday afternoon, I was in charge of the sides, and we ate early enough for R to join us. Lily inhaled her steak in record time and enjoyed licking everyone's plates. I really live for these little family dinners.

After we lost Gouda Lily mourned for quite awhile, right along with the rest of us. Until then she had never been the only dog in her home so it took some adjusting for her. Since then she's really come into her own as "the dog" in the home and I think she's doing a great job. She puffs her chest when anyone comes to the door and eagerly intercepts anyone stopping to say hi to R on our walks.

Lily is a wonderful dog mama to R and they really have become best friends. R becomes giddy with excitement whenever she hears the tags on Lily's collar shake in the next room. She proudly points to Lily and exclaims "doggy!" as soon as she sees her. R routinely sneaks snacks to Lily which is a daily struggle. I love watching their friendship develop and get a total kick out of their interactions.