Happy 1 Year Anniversary P U P ! ! !

It's been exactly 1 year [ok, one year + 1 day... I'm a bad blogger] since the tender-in-my-heart, love-of-my-life, ridiculously pleasant & delightfully spunky pup I named Hadley joined my inner circle!

a 10 week old Hadley

When I rescued Hadley last August from the suburban terrors of Orange County, she was tiny, yet so self- aware. Initially her size concerned me; I always found small chihuahuas annoying, [I didn't want to fall into the trap of context available breeds] and worried that she wouldn't handle an active lifestyle of hiking, climbing and the occassional camping trip.

But her engaging, penetrating gaze and her confident, charming personality were instantly enticing. Jason was more level headed: he was concerned that by taking her home I'd be settling for a dog rather than holding out for the Australian Shepherd mix of which I've been ranting non-stop all through grad school. But it's a year later and I suspect he's even more in love with Had than I am.

CULTURED CANINE: Haley enjoys Screen on the Green and fancies she's a marsupial.
12 whole weeks old!! 

Back at her Orange Country home she was known as Coco. A brown pup named Coco, how distastefully unoriginal, I thought. No, this dog was different. She was pure spunk. Pure fun. On top of that she was fully aware of how awesome she was.  She was a Hadley.

Sleeping Puppy; 1 year 1 month old.

I must admit I knew nothing of Miniature Pinschers when the Hadley opportunity first arose. Let alone min pin - chihuahua mixes.  But now I can't imagine life without this design - er...breed. Hadley is the perfect intersection of crazy spastic fun and cuddly snuggler dog. But now several breed specific books later, I am pleased to know that these pups are super sharp, incredibly engaged, sweet & demanding. Also, they have copious amounts of energy.

a 5 month old Hadley flies to the Midwest

A Hadley-specific example is what I've dubbed the Figure Eights, where she dashes around 10 minutes straight as though running from base to base, looking like a bullet, with paws invisible on account of speed.

10 month old Hadley understands style:
Harness by FOUND My Animal
Dog Tag by X-Pollinate Studio

Wondering about Hadley's designer dog tag or plaid designer harness? Custom made tags are made in limited amounts and can be found at xpollinatestudio.com. The harness can be purchased at olivegreendog.com.

a 1 year 2 month old Hadley stands on Utah soil.

It's only a year later and I already don't remember what life was life without this sassy adorable little family member. I am the luckiest pup parent ever!!!