She is Ruthie.

Today I realized the strength in the bond growing between me and my dog and it makes me happy. I know "duh" right? It has been a new world for me as I watch her grow and I am able to appreciate her puppyness. She parades through the living room showing off my socks one by one or in pairs if she is lucky enough to find them together. She makes sure my shoes are always never where I put them. She loves to play tug 'o' war with the retractable leash in the back yard while I am freezing in my pajamas waiting for her to take care of business. This happens just before bed time when we are supposed to be winding down. She finds my mail to be quite tasty. In a sea of her own toys my gloves or hat is always the best. The cat is constantly covered in dog saliva to his disgust. She refuses to go on walks when she most needs them and I imagine if she had arms they would often be crossed in frustration. Her expressions crack me up particularly when I am trying to be firm, I just can't win. She is wonderfully agile and a tough little dog. Her new favorite friend is a Great Dane the same age but three times her size, she can hold her own. Every day she shares new vocalizations and sometimes I don't recognize them coming from her. Her best one is at the tail end of a yawn and she uses it for everything. I can't possibly describe it but it has several different meanings. It comes out when she is bored or when she wants something. Her ears are asymmetrical and I do not hold on to any hope that they will straighten out, one up one down. She loves people and expects that every one she meets will stop to adore her. She is very resourceful, I find myself constantly pulling things out of her mouth. She wants to play when I want to rest and she wants to rest when I want to play. She is sassy and smart. She is Ruthie and she is my dog.