Phoenix, I remember looking for you to adopt a dog. I wanted a Doberman or mix that was nice to cats and could go with me for protection in the forest. Your rescue organization said you required that you go home to a family with another dog, and we couldn't have kids under 16. It was a match.

Do you remember seeing your human sister Kayla and I waling toward you in the big field in Washington? Your caretaker said you were nervous and threw up in your kennel on the drive over. I remember seeing you for the first time. You looked at us with your big brown eyes. I thought you looked so small and sweet. You appeared timid but full of hope you would be going home with your forever family.

Do you remember your first day with us? You were scared, but you followed your human sisters into the backyard, and then you came and

sat by your dog brothers. I remember how you were so afraid to sit outside in our front yard, and when I put a leash on you, we walked for just a few minutes. You had your tail between your legs the whole time, and that tail stayed there for weeks. I kept increasing your walks, yet you were scared to meet anyone we encountered. The first smile I ever saw from you was when we walked to the dog park. We didn't go inside the dog park that day but walked the perimeter. You looked up at me with the biggest grin. I repeatedly told you, "Phoenix, you are a big badass Doberman, and someday you'll live up to your potential." You slowly came out of your shell. Each walk that we took, each time you saw people you began to recognize on your walk, every time we had someone over, your first time to the trail or beach, the first time you slept without your crate, or when I trusted you without a leash, you slowly got more and more confident.

I remember the shelter said you'd only be about 35 pounds, and I believed them. You're now 5 years old and weigh 80. You've turned into a very confident dog. Unfortunately, you've lost your two dog siblings since your adoption in 2020. You are now surrounded by cats, with Braiden being your favorite. And, you love the neighbor friends we see often. You don't much care that your family doesn't want to hear the barking that would make most strangers run for the hills, Or every time you playfully growl at your dad for coming upstairs, Or your love of all squeaky toys. That's just who you are. I know you're not being mean. It's just you.

So to my extreme weather-loving dog, whose favorite activity is taking a nap outdoors in the hottest conditions or making your parents cringe when you dip in a creek in the coolest. Happy birthday, Miss Phoenix, you badass Doberman. Your journey, your quirks, and your unique personality make you the special dog that you are, and we are grateful to have you. May you have much more sunshine during your next 5 years. I know you will. 😉