To Mac, Love Syd #NationalDogDay

In my opinion, there are too many National ______ Day. A day for watermelon? Really? A day for seemingly everything under the sun, seems a little ridiculous to me. But today? National Dog Day? This is one I can get behind. 

When we got Mac, our beloved Australian Cattle Dog in late 2004, I was a freshman in high school. My sister wanted a dog badly-- we had never had a pet before. At 14, I was somewhat uninterested in having a pet. I was too into being a high school freshman-- too into school, boys, cheerleading, clothes, makeup, friends, etc. When my dad and sister came back with Mac one evening, I remember thinking how strange it was that there was an animal in our house. It was such a foreign concept to me. 

My sister Callie, took to him right away. Mac is short for McAllister, named from our Scottish heritage. I remember being unsure about him for the first week or so. In the first few months, he was a pup full of life... we left the kitchen for an hour or so one day and he managed to get up on the island in our kitchen and eat our entire dinner for later that night! He's also torn through the garbage a few times-- but no one, including me can ever seem to even get the slightest bit angry about it. 

The first Christmas we had him, we went overboard on toys. We let him tear through his stocking and other gifts. He was a rescue, so we assumed it was his first 'real' Christmas. As he finished tearing through, he darted to the back door of our house and demanded to be let out. He promptly ran out into the snow and dug a hole in our backyard and buried his toy! Having never had a dog before, we were all so confused. But it was SO funny. I will always remember that Christmas. 

We've now been blessed to have Mac in our life for over 11 years and he has taught me so much about life and love. Those that do not have pets might find my statements to be dramatic, or even cheesy. But I can assure you that getting Mac was one of the best things to ever happen. I truly never knew I could love him as much as I do. Even at age 13, Mac is still such a character. He is so smart and funny and so incredibly loving and loyal. Although an animal, he is a member of our family and one of my absolute best friends. 

Mac is getting old and slowing down, which worries me . But he still is able to go on walks with me and go on puppuccino dates and ice cream dates. He absolutely loves watermelon and soft, squeaky toys, and hates the water and getting brushed. I cherish every second I get to be with Mac and hope he continues to thrive with us for as long as God allows. 

So here's to you, Mac! A well deserved day in your honor, but who are we kidding, every day is Mac's day! I love you, my sweet pup, always! I am so lucky to have you in my life.