I’ve wanted my own dog since I was 5 years old. So much that my sassy 5-year-old self said, “I’m thankful for the dog I don’t have” when we went around the table on Thanksgiving, saying what we were thankful for.

I moved into my first studio apartment last November, and it has been my favorite place to live out of every college dorm and apartment the past 4 years. I love living alone and being able to do whatever I want, whenever I want. I love coming home to a quiet place at the end of a long day. But I still felt like there was a little something missing. For a long time, I was hesitant to get a dog while living in a small apartment, and told myself I would wait until I lived in a house with a big back yard. But when it got to the point where I was looking at dogs online every night for 2 months, I knew it was time.

That’s when little Grace came along – she’s a purebred yellow lab and the light in my life. Nothing makes me happier right now – and she came into my life right when I needed her.

Luckily, I live in a place where she has plenty of room to run outside, and I live close to walking trails that I can’t wait to take her on when it’s warmer.

Grace has already experienced so much in her first month with me.

She did SO good traveling back and forth to 3 different family gatherings for Thanksgiving. And she didn’t have any potty accidents at my grandparents house. Thank God.

Bath time wasn’t her favorite… but we’re working on it.

First snow and first embarrassing outfit that I made her wear for Christmas. She didn’t mind the scarf, but the hat only lasted for the 2 minutes that Jared and I attempted to take a cute picture of her.

And lots, and lots of naps. Cowboy boots and piles of laundry are her favorite spots to snooze.

Most of my family members got Christmas gifts for Grace this year. You know you’re already a crazy dog mom when you’re more excited about your dog’s gifts than you are for your own. On the second thought, you know you’re a crazy dog mom when you make your dog her own Instagram account. #noshame

I’m having way too much fun with it. Follow her for more adorable puppy pics and videos: @graciebelle16

My dream since I was 5 years old finally came true. And it’s been more fun than I ever could have imagined.