My Sullie girl turned 11 today.
Pretty crazy considering the first birthday I documented on this blog was her fourth.
(Baby Jen and baby Sullie)
I know you have heard me say this over and over and over again but Sullie is my rock. I wanted a dog of my own so badly for a few years before it was the right time to bring Sullie into my life. Since that day, she has blessed me in more ways than I ever dreamed possible. She has been one of the absolute greatest joys of my life.
I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate today than to take her to do her favorite thing…swim!
I loaded up the girls in the car and we drove down to Lake Wylie for an afternoon adventure.
They had a great time swimming and playing together.
Seeing Sullie so happy makes my heart so happy. I read recently that golden retrievers are considered “seniors” at ages 7-9 and “geriatric” over the age of 10. It broke my heart. I feel grateful that Sullie is still so lively and active at the age of 11 and I am cherishing the time I have with her in these golden years. She is an angel and I whisper that to her constantly.
Sullie has been with me for almost the entirety of my adult life, and with the exception of my mom, dad and grandmother, she has been the only truly constant thing in my life over the last 11 years. She’s been with me through countless moves, different jobs, changing friendships, relationship beginnings and endings and most recently…immense grief over the loss of my brother. I’m glad she got to meet him on more than one occasion. He loved animals as much as I do.
The biggest thank you to this girl for being my rock. She’s also a champion spooner.
Unfortunately, both girls had to get baths when we got home. (Good for me, they hated it!) Afterwards it was present time.
Sullie loved going back and forth between her new toys.
Ever since she was a puppy she has LOVED toys. Zoey is ball, ball, ball but Sullie says, “give me that squeaker!”
Of course little sister got jealous and snagged her sisters toy.
We wrapped up the night with homemade doggie birthday cake. It’s the easiest recipe ever. 1/2 diced apple, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons nut butter, 1/2 tsp baking powder. Bake at 350 in a ramekin for 20 mins. The pups go CRAZY over it! Zoey and Arnie shared their own.
Happy birthday Sullie girl!
