The last year has been one of the most exciting, fun, exhausting, and patience-testing years of my life. Here's why: One year ago, we brought home Mogul, the cutest little German Shepherd pup with supersized ears way too big for his head. Since bringing Mogul home, he has been the happiest, curious, loving, and protective pup… and a highly energetic pup too, that’s for sure.

Mogul is my first dog; previously, I have been a cat lady through and through. It’s been my first experience in the puppy world, my first run around the sun with all things training, teething, socializing, and well… shedding. It’s been challenging, chaotic at times, but more than anything, it’s been such a happy time for Alex and me.

It’s hard for me to remember the first weeks with Mogul; I look at old pictures of him and can barely remember how small he used to be. I look back on the photos and laugh at his ears… they were so comically big and always stuck straight in the air (they were never floppy). He was basically the size of the cat, which is funny for me to think about now, seeing that he towers over the cat today.

All things considered, the one thing I remember vividly from those first weeks was the fact that I was always tired. Up late, up early, and up about every 2 hours in between, I swore that sleep deprivation was going to be the death of me. I would come home from work and have a playful pup to tend to. There was no such thing as relaxation.

Within the first month with Mogul, Hurricane Florence struck the Carolinas. The power was out for 2 days, the yard was super saturated from all the rain, and the mosquito apocalypse basically kept us house bound for several weeks post-hurricane. In those days, we taught Mogul how to sit, stay, shake, and lie down, among other things.

In terms of the puppy stage, Mogul was a great puppy. He had minimal accidents in the house, he took to crate training immediately and without any major protest, he didn’t chew much of anything (except a comforter on the bed and the corner of the ottoman - RIP!), and he became so obedient so quickly. I would honestly say his biggest puppy problem was that he licked and chewed the rocks on our fireplace constantly for months. When we’d get up to stop the behavior, he would lie down and shoot us cute puppy eyes.

Hard to be mad at cute puppy eyes, right!?

Over the last year, Mogul has kept us very active. He has forced us to get out and explore. He has taught us so much about patience. He has shown us that all the puppy stress was worth pushing through. But perhaps the the best thing about Mogul is that he has proven to be our best friend. His loyalty has been unrelenting. His love has been without conditions. His excitement for us to come home whether we’re gone for 5 minutes, 5 hours, or 5 days makes my heart explode each time we walk through the door.

As he’s grown, Mogul has become such an adventurous pup and has so many cute, adorable tendencies. He loves so many things!

Riding in the car. Every time we grab the keys, he thinks he’s getting a ride somewhere.
Going to the lake. But… he doesn’t like to jump in the lake and swim… we’re still working on that one.
Playing and jumping in the hose water. Doesn’t like lake water, but will do anything for the hose.
Going on long walks and visiting new places. He’s even been to a few state parks already!
Chasing the cat. No matter how hard we try to stop it, he just loves to chase his brother.
Giving high fives. Of all his tricks, I think it’s his favorite trick to show off.
Watching people out the bedroom window. He will stand at attention for hours if we let him.
Seeing his friend Arya. She is another German Shepherd in the neighborhood… his best friend!
Fitting as many toys as he can in his mouth at one time. I think the count is 3 or 4?
Pleasing for treats. He will do anything for a Milk Bone or other treats.
Getting the zoomies. We call it the Ottoman500 when he runs circles around the ottoman.
Tilting his head. He’s always cocking his head side to side as if he’s trying to understand us. So cute!
Loving up on his humans. Giving slobbery kisses and waking us up in the morning. By far his favorite.