Before I begin, let's rewind a little. January, of 2009. I was only 3 at the time, and still could not tell my left from my right. But I was eager, eager to bring this new furry friend home. It was a promised birthday gift. And a dog was something that I had always dreamed of. My first word was “puppy” for pete's sake and getting to hold that little bundle of fluffy slobbery hyper-active baby, was a dream come true for my little heart. We grew up together. He was my absolute best friend. I just wish things were not different. And I wish I had the chance to say goodbye.

Alright fast forward to march 2020.  “B!” my mom shouts from the living room. I concerningly peep my head around the corner. As she flings her phone into my hands. There, I read a text message. From someone under the name “amanda juniper” that name seemed to sound familiar. But I went on and read the message. “Dear kendall villines. Not sure if you remember me, but i am the breeder of your old puppy artex, and we’ve got his nieces and nephews right here in a litter.” my heart dropped. Never could I have imagined that the family of the puppy I grew up with was available. So as soon as we heard. We planned a date. And prepared for an unexpected new friend

April 2020, the car ride was long, and hot. I glanced behind me at the setup we made for the puppy in the back of my mom's car. With a blanket, some food and water, and a special dog toy I made just for her. As we pulled into the driveway onto a big farm, my heart raced. In excitement and eagerness. I could hear the sound of puppies yelping and the scratches of their little feet hitting the kennels. I started getting flashbacks. Because I had been in this exact same spot,  years ago. I recognized the big mill they had, and the corn farm out back. I entered the puppy territory. My stomach filled with butterflies. When all of a sudden, I see amanda. Come around the corner with a puppy in her hands. I immediately smile as the puppy leaps out of her arms and runs up to my feet. I happily swoop up the giant ball of fluff, and am immediately in love. “Ember” i say, “lets name her ember” 

Life goes by pretty fast and you have to stop taking the little things for granted. Cherish what you have, and learn that change is good, it may hurt but it's good. It's all a part of learning and making memories day by day. Value things that make you happy, and are one of the reasons you keep going. Because looking at ember, I see artex. Letting me know that he loves me and I'm doing great. You don't realize how much you love something/someone until it's gone. So realize what you have. And love it as long as you possibly can. Unconditionally.