Our dog, Kelsie

Ten years ago tonight, we brought our little Jack Russell Terrier home.

We'd picked out the name of Kelsie, which means "warrior" in Gaelic.

We hoped she would guard our home, and she certainly has.

Matthew had wanted a dog for a few years, and I didn't as I believed I was not a dog person.

Ha! I'm so attached to Kelsie and cannot believe she's lived with us for 10 years.

I always say that there's nothing cuter than a puppy!

Kelsie chewed on our floor, our walls, my antique sewing machine cord, and our dining room furniture.

She left her mark everywhere. Aside from those puppyhood misdeeds, she's been a wonderful companion.

She enjoys her nightly walks with Robert, and she follows me all over the house during the day.

She especially loves to garden with me.

She really missed Matthew when he moved out in the fall of 2008, as she used to bound upstairs and jump up on his bed to wake him each morning. She loved his beanbag chair, too.

If you wish to live a full and contented life, just get a puppy!

I'm so glad I gave in to Matthew's begging all those years ago.