Happy 7th Birthday Atlas!

Tomorrow Atlas turns 7. Atlas On Top of the World. It makes my heart ache realizing how much time has gone by and knowing that our time together is not infinite. But every moment spent with my boy is a special one, and I cherish all of them.

All of the memories we have made together mean the world. Whether it’s frolicking in the mountains, cuddling while camping, or the simple every day mornings where he jumps on me to cuddle as soon as he realizes I’m awake.

Everything about this dog is my favorite. His “possum” faces when he’s feeling lovable yet playful. The hugs he gives where he presses his face into my neck. The loving gaze that he has when he rests his head on my chest. The way he knows when I am feeling even a little off, sometimes before I myself am even aware. He always knows. And somehow, he always manages to ground me in those moments. His affection contains magic.

I have loved many dogs. I will love many dogs in the future. But I never really knew what people meant by a soul dog until I meant you, at least not this intensely. It feels like we are made of the same stardust, like he was made for me and I for him. I can’t picture me without Atlas. Everyone who knows me, knows him.

He’s my always-ready adventure buddy, my companion, my shadow. My do-everything-dog, my stoic protector, and my rock. He is the dog that I would choose over and over and over again.

Happy 7th Birthday special boy. Here’s to many more. My life is infinitely better with you in it.

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