Happy Birthday Layla!!!!

I remember it like it was yesterday.  Michele called me and said, "She'll be here later tonight!  I can't wait!!!"  At the time I was skeptical, but a little excited at the same time.  We arrived at the cargo center at the airport and checked in at the front desk and waited for what seemed to be hours (Ok so maybe I was more than a little excited).

After a few muffled whines from the back room, the agent arrived with a pet crate and the biggest smile.  He said, "She's only been here ten minutes and we are already going to miss her!"  He turned the crate towards us and set it on the counter.  Between her long and luxurious ears were the most loving and soulful brown eyes I have ever seen.  She stood up in her crate and started whining in anticipation of being released to her new parents.

We immediately took her outside to see if she needed to relieve herself (it's a 3 hour flight from North Dakota).  Soon after, Michele scooped her up in a blanket and we started on the way home.  Unknown if it was cold or fear she shivered uncontrollably.  And then it happened.  The action that changed everything.  She nuzzled under Michele's neck, let out a breath as big as her little lungs could handle and fell asleep for the duration of the ride home.  Michele's eyes welled up.  You always wonder if your new family member will have a hard time adjusting or will mesh well with the current surroundings.  But it was in that moment in time, all those doubts disappeared and we knew we found each other.

So here we are, five years later.  Taller than your average Basset Hound and with that also bigger as well (She hovers around 85 to 90 lbs throughout the year).  Pound for pound, the best Hound around!

Happy Birthday Layla!!
We Love You!!!

 Fresh off the plane and ready to play!!!

Our little 5 year old baby girl!!!