Well... we had a big adventure this week!  Our fire alarms went off in our apartment complex at 5:45 in the MORNING!  I, unfortunately, was just getting out of the shower so I quickly grabbed my clothes and Charlotte and we bolted out into the parking lot. Let me just tell you... IT WAS COLD!  28 degrees to be exact.  Charlotte was so good!  Even with the LOUD alarms going off, the fire truck lights and sirens,  and the chaos she just snuggled into my arms and buried her head in my lap.  Turns out everything was fine, I still haven't heard what happened...  They checked all our apartments, and after an hour and a half, they let us back into our apartments.  

To be honest, it was a nerve wracking experience!  It was definitely a situation that my ex-husband would have taken in stride.  He would have systematically, and quickly, grabbed a hat for me (to cover my wet hair), grabbed the car keys (so we could stay warm in the car), and calmed me down.  But I actually was proud of how I handled the situation!  And little Charlotte has been so cuddly ever since - How's that for a silver lining!  

Me and Charlotte...

     This time last year I was preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving with my husband.  We shared a beautiful little apartment nestled in the hills above Issaquah, Washington... things were nice.   Our puppy, Charlotte, was our distraction from the empty extra bedroom down the hall.  And now, for reasons I can't really even put in to words, I now find myself sitting alone in a cold living room typing this with one hand and absentmindedly tugging on one end of a dog toy.  It's been a long year... a divorce, a miscarriage, a very sick puppy, and a whole lot of tears have been the main components to my 2013.

     I haven't started this blog as a sympathy play, I have started this to chronicle my journey back to the life I know I will have, the life I have to think I deserve.

     And with that, I introduce you to Miss Charlotte.  She's a miniature Australian Shepherd who just celebrated her 1st birthday on July 23rd.  Some people who haven't met Charlotte may think it's weird that I am so devoted to her, but if this year has taught me anything, it's that she is one of the biggest blessings of my life.  Her goofy grin can bring a smile to my face regardless of the situation I find myself in. So, like I said, this is our journey... Wish us luck!!!

Charlotte's 1st Rain

Standing in Line to See "Santa Paws"

Baby Charlotte

First Trip to the Snow

Us

***First Thanksgiving***

4th of July 5k

Love at First Sight

All grown up

Quality Dog Park Time