My sweet girl's birthday is tomorrow. It's also Fireworks Night in the UK, which feels appropriate, as Lily can be a little like a small firecracker at times, jumping about or zooming around in the house or garden.
I've only known her since February this year, but it feels like forever. Sometimes I get so sad thinking about what life will be like in 5, 10 or fifteen years time when she has died. The chances are, of course, that she will before I do. At that point I have to shake myself, tell myself not to be so silly, and move on to whatever is next.
So this evening, I'm going to put together a list for now and the future of all the things my girl does that make me love her so much.
1) The way she turns around and grins at me when we're out for a walk. It's like she's saying 'isnt this the best fun!'
2) When she comes and sits next to me when I'm working. At the end of the day she sometimes gets in the way of the laptop, to make sure I know it's time to pack up.
3) How her body moves when she's running fast and playfully. She somehow gets low to the ground and just goes for it. She corners really well too.
4) The eyes she makes when she wants a treat.
5) The noises she makes - the sighs, the occasional grunts, and the little whiny noises when I have failed to do what she wants me to.
6) The softness of her fur and the small of her head.
7) How she and W have built their own relationship (which mainly seems to be based on 'puppy judo', a game that I don't fully understand.)
8) How she follows me around, as though she just needs to know where I am.
9) Her joy on seeing me again when we've been apart - she is so excited that she can't keep still!
Lily, thank you for your love and sense of fun this past year. I'm looking forward to feeding you your cake tomorrow, and spending many more years together.
