Happy 3rd Birthday, Dakota!

Yes! Today is our Dakota's 3rd birthday. Just 3 years ago a small chocolate Lab pup named "Peaches" was born to two beautiful Labrador Retrievers. So small and so innocent.

Our breeds paired us up with Dakota after we filled out a family survey. At 7 weeks old, "Peaches" was assessed by the breeder and it seemed that our family was a sure fit to be the perfect home for this particular pup. Our breeder must have had angels whispering in her ear because she paired us up perfectly. "Peaches" fits this family like a glove.

At 8 weeks old, we drove 4 hours south to pick up our precious pup. She was adorable! She was a spitting image of her father; the Lab my husband fell in love with after seeing only a picture online. Even though she was small, you could tell by the size of her paws that she was going to be one big girl. That day we named her Dakota and welcomed her into our family.

I can't help but laugh because we always heard "get a load of this size of this pup's paws" while she was young and even today people still think she has some growing to do. Sure, she may be 3 years old but she is just an 82lb mushy puppy that sometimes thinks she is more human then dog. Alas, that is my husband's fault - or at least I would like to think it is his fault. *innocent smile*

So, tonight we celebrate Dakota's birthday and you all seem to think a new toy and trip to the dog park are the perfect way to celebrate. Alas, we are in the Midwest and have more snow, icy roads, and freezing temperatures today so the dog park will have to wait a bit more. Not to worry though - this Lab mommy will venture out into the cold tonight to get Dakota's birthday present. Want to know what it will be? Check back on Wednesday to see! *wink*