Baker is 9

 

Can you believe it?! This tiny puppy is 9 years old! 9! Almost a decade. I can't. 

It's also crazy to think that it means he's now been by my side for pretty much a third of my life! People have come and gone, and other than my parents Baker has been the only constant for me - the being I have known the longest. 

People call dog 'man's best friend' but I don't think they fully get the complexity of that small statement and how seriously it is said by many of us. It is no lie to say that I have no idea where I would be or how I would cope if it wasn't for Baker's constant loyalty, company and support. It goes even further than being best friends though, he is my son and it breaks my heart when people try to take that title away from us animal parents. From cleaning up sick, constant playing, hugging him until he falls asleep, dealing with poop situations and so much more I am a parent and I love him with the same fierceness as those with human children (no matter how they try to argue it).

If there's any debate on how special this dog is, did you know he was born on August 26th - International Dog Day?! Coincidence? I think not! 

Anyway. Mr H was working on the actual day of Baker's birthday so we celebrated a day early. Here are the photos we took.

It's getting more difficult as the years go by to know what to get this guy for his birthday, he is spoiled after all and needs for nothing. However, he loves opening things so much! I guess we could just wrap up empty boxes and he'd still have fun but if you could see the joy he gets from new toys you'd spoil him too haha. 

Of course, his Granny and Granda weren't able to make it in person so they watched him open his presents over the webcam. We still did have a picky tea though! A lovely mini (oh-so healthy haha) vegan buffet complete with cupcakes made especially for Baker by his daddy.

It was a lovely day. Bittersweet somewhat for me because, inevitably, he's getting older and that worries me. I have a fear of death, myself and my loved ones, but that's a topic for another time.

To see more of Baker and his life, you can check out these posts from the past year or two:

Meet the Pets - Baker

Baker Turns 8!

A Peek into Our World // Baker's Bedroom

Catch Up with the Pets! // Part 1

Catch Up with the Pets! // Part 2

Things My Dog Says

Things My Dogs Says part 2

.'' Having a dog will bless you with many of the happiest days of your life, and one of the worst. ''

Baker Turns 8!

Our boyo, Mr Baker Hallow, turned a massive 8 years old on August 26th! I really can't believe that in less than 6 weeks, he will have been in my life for such a long time. Other than my parents, he has been the only constant for me over those eight years and we have such a complex relationship you can definitely tell we've spent a heck of a lot of time together. Of course, like most dog owners can relate to, he has been my best friend (minus my husband) and is the closest we'll have to a child...and because of that, we do love each other very much as well as occasionally butting heads. Come to think of it, the main reason we do butt heads is when he constantly cries for no reason, but that is 100% a 'hereditary' trait he's gotten from me haha!
Back when I first started writing here again in April, I posted a mini-series introducing all of our 10 pets. Click here to read Baker's 'Meet the Pets' post and learn a little more about him.

Every year on his birthday Baker has always gotten presents and had at least a small tea party, some years a proper party with doggy cake and a couple times a BBQ. This year however his birthday fell on a Wednesday and his Daddy only has one day off a week. The other usual party guests, his Granny and Granda, were obviously unable to attend too due to the current world issues.
That means turning 8 was a slightly different affair. On the day I took his annual portraits with the banner I make him and it was extra special this year now that his bedroom is finally fully finished. Then the following day is when we celebrated as a family. Mr H and I blew up lots of balloons (he literally has an obsession with balloons) in the morning so that when he came down he'd have a big surprise before opening his presents!
Check out the video below to see how he reacted to the balloons and him opening his presents.
Lastly, at the end of this post, I've included the past 8 years of his birthday portraits...he's getting an old man now!
Until next year...