Though you are sleeping now, a special day awaits you. Your daddy Devon and I will devote the entire day to everything that makes you happy and comfortable. If there were a thousand ways I could spoil you, I would find 1001 because you always deserve so much more. I don't think people will truly ever understand how very much you mean to me or how strong our bond is, because they do not know what we have gone through to get where we are today in celebrating your 13th birthday.
How could I have known, that on this day, 13 years ago, you were born and would soon enter my life and heart? Though it wasn't until May 10, 1996 that we found each other, everyday since you have reminded me how much I am needed and love. If only by you, for me that is all that matters. When my family decided to leave me, you were there as the only family I needed. When that ugly cruel person use to beat me, though you were scared and would hide from his rage, when it was over, you comforted me as my wounds and tears slowly faded. And on that New Year's eve, when I had reached the lowest point of my life, knife in hand and tears flooding my eyes, you walked out and licked my face and hand, reminding me of my reason to live. My reason for living, laughing and loving have all been taught to me by you.
We've shared so many memories, all of which enhanced when I saw the joy in your eyes. Trips to the beach so you could play in the sand, so long as I didn't try to take you out into the water. Driving through the country side and seeing all the horses that looked up as you barked to say hello. Walking through the city and people ignoring me as they stopped to talk with you, commenting how beautiful you are. And those millions of quiet times, when it was just the two of us. Either staying home in each others company, cuddling in bed, even though you are much smaller, you seemed to need more room or was it just to be as close as you possibly could to me, sitting along the waterfront with you leaning against me or chasing you in the tennis court, which soon turned into you chasing me. When you smile, as you do often, I cannot help but smile too. For the look of happiness in your face always finds its way into my heart.
You are stubborn and demanding, but it shouldn't be any other way. You are selfish when it comes to receiving attention, but it shouldn't be any other way. You speak out, loudly, when you have something that needs to be heard, but it shouldn't be any other way. But most of all, you are the most loyal and loving with those that you trust and know would never harm your Rici. Though the love you have is shared with just about everyone, there is that special love that you have for only your Rici. Never allowing me out of your sights. Always reminding me when it is time for bed or if you just want to cuddle. And always ensuring that whenever possible, you need to go with me and if not possible, you make sure I know how much it bothers you.
Many people know you, feeling your soft thick coat of black hair. When they see you they either play with your adorable ears or your curled tail. And most don't mind when you push up against them, your weight so strong they almost fall. Or that after you have received your attention from them, your hair clings to whatever they are wearing. These people don't mind, because what they feel from you is your love that you have so much of to share. And those who only know you through pictures or shared thoughts by me, they also feel your love. Even people who claim not to like 'dogs', seem to feel something different from you that allows them to be kind to you.
All of my life, I have only wanted to be love and respected, not knowing the harsh feeling of people leaving or hurting me. I've tried to be kind, giving and supportive, but too often it has been turned against me. But I have come to proudly accept that I am the happiest in being known as Saddi's human. So long as everyone knows about how amazing you are, they know the greatest part of me. For without Saisar Saddi Berrong, there never will be me.
To say I love you could never express what I truly feel. And to say thank you for all you have shared and given me, well, words have yet to be invented that could fully express that. What I can say, with complete confidence, is that you have enhanced the beauty and truth within my life and heart. And though today is your birthday Saddi, please know that everyday is a celebration for me because of you.
your Rici
