My Sullie girl turned 11 today.
Pretty crazy considering the first birthday I documented on this blog was her fourth.
(Baby Jen and baby Sullie)
I know you have heard me say this over and over and over again but Sullie is my rock. I wanted a dog of my own so badly for a few years before it was the right time to bring Sullie into my life. Since that day, she has blessed me in more ways than I ever dreamed possible. She has been one of the absolute greatest joys of my life.
I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate today than to take her to do her favorite thing…swim!
I loaded up the girls in the car and we drove down to Lake Wylie for an afternoon adventure.
They had a great time swimming and playing together.
Seeing Sullie so happy makes my heart so happy. I read recently that golden retrievers are considered “seniors” at ages 7-9 and “geriatric” over the age of 10. It broke my heart. I feel grateful that Sullie is still so lively and active at the age of 11 and I am cherishing the time I have with her in these golden years. She is an angel and I whisper that to her constantly.
Sullie has been with me for almost the entirety of my adult life, and with the exception of my mom, dad and grandmother, she has been the only truly constant thing in my life over the last 11 years. She’s been with me through countless moves, different jobs, changing friendships, relationship beginnings and endings and most recently…immense grief over the loss of my brother. I’m glad she got to meet him on more than one occasion. He loved animals as much as I do.
The biggest thank you to this girl for being my rock. She’s also a champion spooner.
Unfortunately, both girls had to get baths when we got home. (Good for me, they hated it!) Afterwards it was present time.
Sullie loved going back and forth between her new toys.
Ever since she was a puppy she has LOVED toys. Zoey is ball, ball, ball but Sullie says, “give me that squeaker!”
Of course little sister got jealous and snagged her sisters toy.
We wrapped up the night with homemade doggie birthday cake. It’s the easiest recipe ever. 1/2 diced apple, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons nut butter, 1/2 tsp baking powder. Bake at 350 in a ramekin for 20 mins. The pups go CRAZY over it! Zoey and Arnie shared their own.
Happy birthday Sullie girl!
Happy Birthday sweet Sullie! Looks like she had a great day and everyone enjoyed celebrating. 🙂
Have never had a dog, but hopeful we’ll get one in a couple of years once our two kiddos are a bit older. And funny you should mention her first bday celebrated on the blog was her 4th – my older son just turned 4 a few weeks ago. 🙂
Happy Birthday to sweet Sullie! What a special day for her and you – here is to many more Sullie birthdays 🙂
There is an unspoken and beautiful relationship between humans and their dog companions. I understand what you mean by having Sullie as your constant. The walks and runs together as you clear your mind, the cuddles together, and the daily smiles she brings you have created a bond that even humans can’t quite replicate. She’s shared over a decade of your highs and lows. As much as you love her, I’m sure she adores you even more. Happy 11th, Sullie!
Happy Birthday Sullie!
Happy birthday Sullie! I know exactly how you feel, I had my Maggie for 17 years, and she was one of the greatest blessings in my life. Sullie looks so happy and healthy and I can tell she’ll live a very long life. Zoey is such a teacher’s pet 😀 Also incredibly fit and adorable. You should be proud of how well you are looking after them. They are both absolutely beautiful, but what always gets me is their little fluffy feet! Cuteness overload!
Happy birthday Sullie! My pup just turned 15 and it feels like just yesterday he was running around the house eating all my shoes. Hope you’re enjoying the holiday!
Our Finny made it until 14 and was spry up until the last month. He was the lump of my life and I still miss him every single day, but the loss was worth it. Goldens are the greatest companions a person can know and I am forever grateful that I’ve gotten to be loved by one.
Happy Birthday Sullie! Our previous furbaby got to 15 and a half and we were so grateful for every single day with her. She even went through stem cell treatment to try and prolong her time with us when she was aged 11. Sullie is so lucky to have such a loving mummy! Our beautiful pets are never around long enough. Big hugs to you all 🙂
Happy birthday, Sullie!
Happy birthday, Sullie! I had 14 wonderful years with my Labrador, Greta, who was also my “true north”! Your relationship with Sullie reminds me so much of mine with Greta. On her birthday last year, shortly before she crossed the rainbow bridge, I borrowed a quote from Queen Elizabeth II (about Prince Philip) to describe Greta: you have, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years. <3
That recipe sounds like it would be a delicious human cake too! Happy birthday Sullie girl
You are a really cool dog mom!
Aw, thank you! They bring me so much joy. I’m just so grateful for them.