puppy love

Because I have set out to write about 2010, a year that brought a great deal of firsts for Andy and I, it would be hard to think of something that has changed our day to day lives more than the adoption of our dog.  I have had puppies on the brain for YEARS... and was held off only due to the fact that we have been apartment dwellers for the past 8 years.  We have had our beloved cats for 7 of those years and were extremely worried that they would not take to well to a new furry addition.  (we're getting there)
After we bought our home... my brain became more and more puppy focused.  I would have been happy to bring home a puppy before we signed the last of the papers, however I was reminded of the fact that we were purchasing a "fixer-upper" home, which would be covered in nails and paint for months on end.  And it WAS! (I will share pictures of the destruction and reconstruction soon).  So I was forced to put my puppy dreams on hold and go full force into home repairs and decoration.
Once the snow began to melt, and our house began to resemble a home, I began visiting our local shelter and driving Andy completely insane with pictures of adorable dogs on Petfinder.  Finally, with my summer vacation in sight, I bit the bullet and brought home a crazy 2 month-old mutt.  Andy was more than a little apprehensive when I called him from the shelter, describing the little blonde puppy.  However, he seemed to fall instantly and named her Yoya.  A name I would never have chosen, but one that couldn't fit her more.

She's 8 months old now and has gone from 12 to 45 pounds. She is still growing.  She has more energy and love than anyone I have ever met and she has changed my world.  I spent my entire summer exploring North Eastern Ohio with her.  We taught her how to swim, we spent every day exploring our local parks.  She is an amazing companion and has lead me to discover the most beautiful places- that are only blocks away from my home!  Now that I am back at school, we can't spend entire days in the woods.  However, we still take our nightly romp at Forest Hill park.  She runs and runs and I get to really experience the glory of Cleveland's seasons in a way that I have never been able to before.  Rain, shine, snow... there we are.    Anyways, heres my Yos.