Happy 7th Birthday, Chuy {An Open Letter to My Chihuahua}

This post is way over due. We celebrated Chuy’s 7th birthday at the BlogPaws conference in Phoenix on June 22nd. I didn’t get a chance to put together a birthday post but better late than never. Right?

Dear Chuy,

To some you’re just a dog. To me, you’ve always been more than that.  To say you’ve changed my life is an understatement. There’s times I look at you and my heart feels like it could explode. I love you so deeply that it terrifies me because I dread the day we have to say our goodbyes.

When you came walking around that corner back in 2009, shy and timid, I knew you were our dog. There was no doubt.

The first 2 months of your life were packed with activities and living in the moment. In fact, it wasn’t until you that I really started to embrace living life that way. We were on a time crunch. Your Daddy was deploying to Iraq and we wanted to spend as much time together as a family as possible.

I could not have made it through those months all alone in my house without you. We kept each other company. You drove me crazy at times too! I remember having the worst day ever at work and coming home and you tore through an entire pack of toilet paper. I had a melt down right in the middle of it all. I soon forgot when you started licking my face to wipe away the tears. How could anyone be mad at that?!

You tried to eat my engagement ring. You DID eat my debit card and I had to order a new one! It was such a happy time though and we really got to know each other and bond.

Your Daddy was so afraid that you wouldn’t remember him once he got home after all those months.

That couldn’t be further from the truth. You went nuts as soon as you saw him!

It used to hurt my heart every morning when I had to leave you in your little crate and head to work. I would rush home during lunch to let you out and spend time together.  I knew that there was more to life than the cubicle rat race and I decided to make the biggest decision of my life at the time. I quit my job so I could focus on my own freelancing business and my blogs. We were together all the time!

I eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with you every single day. I don’t even spend that much time with your Daddy. You’ve become my little partner in crime. You inspire and motivate me every single day.

You never left my side in my deepest, darkest depression. I’m not being dramatic when I say that you saved my life. You gave me a purpose.

It’s so hard to believe 7 years have flown by just like that. I must say that we have enjoyed them to the fullest. We’ve traveled all over the country together! From the mountains, Texas, Vegas, Arizona, Hoover Dam, Outer Banks . . . just to name a few!

You’ve been by my side through some of the happiest and saddest times. Finishing college, changing careers, starting a blog, planning my wedding, saying goodbye to Nam, and finding out I’m pregnant.

It might sound strange but when I first found out I was pregnant, I was sad for you. Maybe it was just the hormones but I felt guilty. I never want you to feel unloved or that you’ve been pushed aside. I hear other moms doing that to their dogs and it breaks my heart. I know that will never happen but it still scares me because it’s always just been the two of us when Daddy’s not home. I hope I can be a great mama to both of you. You will always be my “furst” baby.

When you came into our lives, you were only 6 weeks old and now your 7 years old. Birthdays are such a bittersweet celebration. They are a blessing because it’s another year we have together but it’s also a reminder of just how short our lives are . . . especially for dogs.

You are still “young” for a Chihuahua but you are no longer the spunky puppy you once were. I see the gray hairs coming in around your muzzle and on various patches on your fur. Your personality has become more mellow over the years as your age settles in.

Who am I kidding? Even at seven years old, you still have that crazy, playful streak that zooms all over the house and is always up for a walk at any time of the day.  It’s such a great reminder that age is really just a number.

Chuy, I want you to know that we will never leave your side. You will never have to want for anything. You will never suffer alone. You will never be tossed aside for the new baby or because you’re too old and too complicated to deal with. You are family. You are not “just” a dog.

I wish you could live forever. I know that’s not realistic and it breaks my heart. That’s why I celebrate your birthdays with you . . . even if some people think you don’t care because you’re “just” a dog. I know you’re much more than that and you always seem to know when we are doing something out of the ordinary. I love watching your tail wag and get excited over the smallest things.

You’ve made me a better human. I’m now more patient, more understanding, and truly happy with the life you’ve inspired me to create. These days I enjoy the little things because I know they are the only things.

So, let’s not worry about what might happen in the future. Let’s worry about today. Let’s go for a walk and get excited about every little thing that life has to offer! Happy Birthday, Chuy! I love you!

More Chuy Birthday Posts

How do you celebrate your dog’s birthday? Leave us a comment below and be sure sure to check out these other birthday posts!

• • Happy 8th Birthday, Chuy!
  • Happy 7th Birthday Chuy (An Open Letter to My Chihuahua)
  • Happy 6th Birthday Chuy
  • Happy 5th Birthday Chuy
  • Happy 4th Birthday, Chuy!
  • Chuy’s 3rd Birthday
  • Happy 3rd Birthday, Chuy
  • Chuy’s 2nd Birthday
  • The Ultimate Guide to Dog Birthday Cake Recipes
  • 14 Dog Birthday Gift Ideas
  • Top 5 Free Ways to Celebrate Your Dog’s Birthday
  • How to Make a Doggie Birthday Cake
  • Dog Birthday Cake Recipe for Chuy’s 5th Birthday

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