Holden and Phoebe

Tomorrow will mark 10 years since the day Holden walked into my life. I had hoped to help the pups blog about our annual anniversary celebration, which usually involves me preparing some sort of meaty treat. We will continue this tradition; however, the day will be marked by some worries because we just learned his latest vet tests showed elevated levels of blood calcium. It could be anything from nothing to a thyroid condition to the dreaded C word. As is my nature, I worry. Everyone keeps telling me how the love I will have for this baby growing inside me will exceed any love I have ever experienced in my life. I believe this, and it's a bit intimidating, because the love I have for this little brown pound puppy is so strong that it nearly breaks my heart to even think about what it will be like to lose him someday.

Holden has spent the last 10 years as my best buddy, seeing me through moves, breakups, job changes, marriage, and everyday ups and downs. While he's never been the smartest dog in terms of tricks or following directions (sorry, Holden, but it's true), he has an uncanny, human-like ability to sense what's going on around him and charm his way into people's hearts. For this, he has been rewarded with endless treats, dozens of backpacking trips, heated dog beds and other plushness, and incredible amounts of love. Still, I don't think I can ever come close to giving him what he's given me.

So, for this 10 year anniversary, I ask all of you readers to keep Holden in your thoughts. I made him promise me he'd stick around to share some of his special Holden-ness with the baby, and I want to hold him to that.