Happy 5th Birthday Ritzy!

People might laugh, but we don't care, we have taken you everywhere. More like a child to us you are, your looks and personality have taken you so far. You've won contests and hearts and we'll never kick you out of our bed, even with your puppy farts. We'd do anything for you, because we know you would do anything for us too. You are loyal and sweet and your mommy just adores the smell of your "popcorn" feet. You have been with us through so many milestones in life, when we got you at the beginning of our union as husband and wife. You were so peaceful and mild when we brought into our home our first (human) child. Your friendship with Easton makes our hearts soar, you are truly a special gift from God that we adore. You're not just a dog, you are our companion and friend and we will love you until the very end.

Ritzy, just writing that poem for you, and thinking about you makes me cry. People probably do think I am crazy, that your dad and I are crazy and we are - crazy about you. You are special, you contain a kind of magic that I have never ever seen or experienced in another animal and I know a heck of a lot of people who don't even measure up to how amazing you are. You lick away tears, you smile when you hear giggles and laughter and you feel bad when you know you've done something wrong. You care about us and we care so much about you. This past summer was hard, wasn't it buddy? But we did everything we could for you, and God has blessed us you with a second chance at life and we're so grateful. We cherish every day with you and we don't take you for granted. We love you buddy, we truly do, with all of our heart. Happy Birthday and we can't wait to celebrate many, many more with you.