On December 28th, 2003, I traveled to and from Vancouver Island to bring into my home and heart an 8-week old, 3-1/2 pound Westie puppy. And every day during these past ten years, he has given me so much joy, love and terrier-attitude.

Piper on a Little Mountain trail, December 26th, 2013.

How It Begins

by MARY OLIVER

A puppy is a puppy is a puppy.
He's probably in a basket with a bunch of other puppies.
Then he's a little older and he's nothing but a bundle of longing.
He doesn't even understand it.

Then someone picks him up and says,
"I want this one."

Source: Dog Songs