This heartfelt post is a celebration of our beloved Lady Spencer-Buckley turning 4 years old. It's a reflection on the joy she's brought into our lives and the memorable journey we've shared with her. Today, we're eager to share some of our cherished memories with Lady, but first, let's rewind to the beginning.

Two years ago, we found ourselves living in a pet-unfriendly apartment in New Jersey. At that time, we were in the process of obtaining paperwork for an emotional support animal, a strategy that had worked for others on the East Coast to convince their buildings to allow pets where they were otherwise prohibited.

one of Lady’s favorite places to lay, on the porch bench.

Now, fast forward to 2021, when we visited Laurel for the filming of our Home Town episode. Angie Terrant, the executive producer for Home Town, had a brilliant idea when she learned of our desire to rescue a dog. She suggested that we find our dream dog as part of the episode, and this led us to the local animal shelter, Laurel Animal Rescue League. We weren't sure what we were looking for—male, female, or a puppy—our excitement stemmed from the opportunity to provide a loving home to a dog. After all, what's small-town living without a furry companion, right? The day to choose our dog arrived, and we weren't prepared for what happened next.

She loves to play in her pool on hot days

The shelter had arranged an assortment of dogs for us to interact with, varying in size, breed, and age. It was a tough decision to choose one and leave the others behind. Little did we know, Lady, also known as Scarlett, had her own plans. She chose us as her parents. The moment we met, she playfully rolled onto her back for belly rubs, and we fell in love with her sweet and affectionate nature. It was indeed love at first sight, and we couldn't have asked for a more loving dog than Lady. She's not only friendly with other dogs but also adores people. Her bubbly personality is simply irresistible. Lady often indulges in silly antics, like prancing around with items like T-shirts or socks to get our attention. She finds joy in tearing up empty cardboard boxes and gets overly excited when we bring her a new toy.

Lady prancing around with an empty cardboard box

One unforgettable memory was the time we tied Lady up to one of the back porch spindles for a few minutes, only to find her gone when we returned. But it wasn't just Lady who disappeared; she had pulled the entire spindle from the porch! We discovered her in the front yard, merrily running around with the spindle still attached to the end of her leash.

About a year ago, we decided to have a fence built around the backyard, primarily to create a safe play area for Lady and other visiting dogs.

Lady's list of favorite activities includes going for car rides, strolling around the neighborhood, and jumping in puddles after a rain. She has a special talent for chasing geckos and frogs and can spend hours watching squirrels. It's amusing to see her assume the stance of a huntress, crawling low with her belly to the ground as she stalks her prey—squirrels or small birds. Although she may never catch them, her determination never wanes.

Even though Lady isn't typically a barker, she's developed a more vocal side when she wants our attention. She's learned to emit a single, loud bark when she wants to go in or out of the house. Sometimes, when she's feeling restless, she makes funny whinny sounds. Lady absolutely adores being outdoors, but when the summer sun gets too intense for her, she doesn't hesitate to communicate that she's had enough and needs to retreat indoors where it's nice and cool.

Initially, we were quite strict about Lady not jumping up on the furniture when she first joined our household. However, she quickly assumed the role of the boss and now occupies whichever chair or sofa she fancies. It's just incredibly challenging to resist saying no to that adorable little face of hers. Despite having two of her own beds, she has a clear preference for sleeping on the big bed with her daddies.

Food holds a special place in Lady's heart, alongside her daddies. She adores her home-cooked meals and treats, as we made the switch to prepare her food ourselves, avoiding the chemicals found in processed dog food. She's also a water enthusiast and an excellent swimmer. Most of her time is spent outdoors in the yard, chasing geckos, frogs, birds, and playfully engaging with her little brother, Crew, the cat.

On this special day, as you wag your tail and bark with joy, we want you to know just how much you mean to us. From the moment you entered our lives, you brought an abundance of love, laughter, and warmth. Your unwavering companionship has been a source of comfort and happiness, and we are endlessly grateful for every paw print you've left on our hearts.

As we celebrate your birthday, we want you to know that we are committed to making every day as wonderful for you as you've made for us. May your days be filled with belly rubs, delicious treats, and endless adventures that ignite your tail-wagging excitement. You deserve all the happiness in the world, dear Lady. We can't wait to create more beautiful memories with you in the years to come. Happy birthday! 🎉🐾❤️

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