my first, my special boy...my Kota

Today my boy turns 5. Everyone knows how emotional I can be about my dogs so I will spare all the sappy talk. Everyone knows how special he is to me... how his health frightened me in his first year... how he finished his CH during a really tough period in my life.... how I cried the day he finished.... how he's been more than willing to do whatever I say, all in the name of making me happy. He had some rough patches (with Ollie), and has changed because of it, but he will always be my Kota.. my Duddie... my KotaRee. As always, my undying gratitude goes to Carolyn for insisting he come home with me... even tho I left without him and cried for hours because of it. I can't imagine now, not having this soul in my life. He looks to me for his everything, and I adore him almost as much! :) Happy 5th birthday bubbie... I love you my special special boy!
And of course, Happy Birthday wishes go out to the SUV litter (Denali, Forrest, Max, Charles and one whose name is escaping me now! :( )

(pictures from left to right, top to bottom: 1) just a few days old, 2) 4-5 weeks old, 3) ~8 weeks old?, 4) in the pool at Gramma Carolyn's before leaving for home. 2nd row: 1) Kota at 6 months, 2) Kota sitting up at Golden Gate park at just shy of a year, 3) Kota's 1st birthday!. 3rd row: 1) Kota's 2nd birthday, 2) Kota's 3rd birthday. 4th row: 1) Kota at just shy of 4 at the CA Nationals, 2) Kota's 4th Birthday, 3) Kota's 5th Birthday)