A year ago today, I opened my heart to a possibility I wasn’t sure I’d ever be ready for again. After the loss of my beloved Seymour, the idea of welcoming another dog felt impossible—like trying to rewrite a chapter that had already been perfectly penned. But grief has a way of surprising us. It doesn’t erase love; it makes room for new forms of it.
Enter Miss Freckles.
She wasn’t a puppy. She wasn’t planned. But she was exactly what I needed.
From the moment she came into my life, she’s been a gentle force of joy. Sweet and full of personality. She’s the kind of dog who makes strangers smile, who turns car rides into adventures, and who curls up beside me like she’s always belonged there. And maybe she always has.
She’s my little pupkin woofkin—yes, that’s her nickname —and she’s been a blessing in every sense of the word. A snuggler extraordinaire. A travel companion with her own car seat so she can take in the views. Let’s just say she’s treated like the princess she knows she is.
And when it comes to travel, Miss Freckles is no stranger to the skies. She loves hopping on airplanes to visit her favorite Uncle Chris and Aunt Jennifer, where she’s greeted with tail wags and purrs from her dog cousins Dexter and Josie, cat cousins Marshmellow and Henry, and of course, the ever curious Grayson. It’s a full house of love, and she fits right in—whether she’s lounging with the crew or stealing hearts one paw at a time.
This past year with Miss Freckles has been healing. It’s been laughter and long walks, quiet mornings and silly moments. It’s been proof that love doesn’t replace—it expands. That sometimes, taking a chance leads you right to the soul who was waiting to find you.
So today, on her Gotcha Day, I celebrate her. I celebrate us. I celebrate the leap of faith that brought her into my life and the everyday magic she brings to it.
Happy Gotcha Day, Miss Freckles. Thank you for choosing me. I’m so lucky to be your mama.
Tales of TFF, Taylor, Dolly and Happenstance 