Happy 3rd Birthday, Suvi!

Suvi turns three today. In fact, "The Great Eight" all turn three today. That's the name of the first litter of puppies born into MN Pit Bull Rescue. Momma Sula was a saint, and the puppies have all grown up beautifully thanks to an awesome start with an awesome rescue group and fantastic forever homes.

MN Pit Bull Rescue Great Eight!

Some days it feels like I've had Suvi forever - much longer than 3 years. And some days...
I can't believe how quickly it's all gone by. She and I have been a team for longer than any romantic relationship I've ever had. She's given me more kisses than anyone I know, and I've trusted her more than most humans I've met. We've had our ups - like every time someone changes their mind about pit bulls because of her. And our downs - like the time(s) she's eaten the drywall.

Suvi makes me laugh on a daily basis. Very often, she makes me laugh hysterically. She makes me frustrated on a daily basis, too - but it's much outweighed by the enormous personality that comes out of that 55-lb body. I can't help but laugh and cheer her on when she carries something in her mouth, making her so proud that her head stands high, and her whole body wiggles. I can't help but be amazed at the trust she places in Chad and me, every day - the need to be as close as she possibly can when she sleeps, because she is so comfortable and in love with us. I can't help but look at her when she's snuggled up on the couch with me, rub her fat, fuzzy head, and let out a great big sigh of "good grief, I'm in love with this dog, and i'm so lucky to have someone(thing) else that loves me more than herself."  I did that exact thing earlier this week - sighed, loudly, and Chad asked what was wrong. Nothing, in fact, just the opposite. Life is good. Very, very good. And as much as I love having Suvi's innate knowledge and comfort when things are less than perfect, I love even more having her as a part of our every-day lives, and getting to enjoy watching her learn, grow, and be her beautiful, crazy self.  I absolutely can't imagine my (our) lives without her...

Here are some pics, of the Great Eight of MN Pit Bull Rescue, Suvi's first few weeks, and her first birthday. Feel free to wish her a Happy Birthday in the comments below!

The baby Suvi pics are courtesy of MN Pit Bull's Facebook page. 

The very first picture I took of Suvi. (then Fergie). Before I'd decided to even adopt her - but who could resist that face??

Suvi celebrated her first birthday with a sibling reunion! It's her only brother Mugsy, and her sister Penny!

For Suvi's second birthday, we celebrated on the patio at dog-friendly Psycho Suzi's in Minneapolis. Hey mom, camera's this way!!

This year, we're headed back to Psycho Suzi's! They are so great with dogs, they have the most amazing patio overlooking the Mississippi, and Suvi likes the tator tots. (and mom likes the fun drinks).

Happy birthday, baby bear!! We love you sooooooo much!