Originally, this post was going to be another outfit post. Something about closet staples, and how you can mix and match them and work them in to almost every outfit to create something new and fresh. I thought it would be fun to have Scout, my pup, as my accessory, rather than the usual handbag. He’s just so damn cute, and he’s always in style (corny, but true).

But as I began editing the photos I realized this is way more than an outfit post, because Scout is certainly more than an accessory.

I got Scout when he was 10 weeks old. He was just over a pound, the runt of the litter, and could easily snuggle into the palm of my hand. We picked him up in Perry, Georgia, and on the 100 mile drive back to Atlanta, he dozed sweetly on my lap. And then he peed. On my lap. I was in love. 

On that first day home, the little pup with the big heart attempted to tackle the stairs. He fell fast asleep on the first one.

Over more than a decade, Scout has easily been my longest relationship. Together, we’ve traveled the country. We’ve gone on a week long road trip out west and have taken the red eye. We’ve lived in 8 apartments and 2 houses together, spanning 2 states and 4 cities. He’s seen me through romantic relationships, and wore a puppy tux to my wedding when I married the love of my life.

He has stumbled through motherhood with me, sitting on my lap as I struggled to nurse my brand new baby girl. When Harper’s cries pierced our nighttime slumber, he would, without fail, dutifully follow me into her nursery and doze at the foot of the glider while Harper and I cuddled.

While his transition to becoming a big little brother has been rocky, he has slowly started to accept that this wobbly, toddling little person isn’t going anywhere, and he’s even starting to love her. Just because I love her.

Scout is 12 years old now. He’s slowing down. He can’t always make the long walks anymore. He’s lost a lot of his teeth. His mind is going a little, and at times he is literally frightened of his own shadow. He can be grouchy. And he is perfectly content being left alone to curl up and snooze.

12 years ago, I had no idea the impact 1 pound could have on my heart. I was clueless how much that tiny, little furball with the weak bladder would teach me about life and love. And how unwaveringly loyal he would be, how much he would love me without fail, in spite of all of my shortcomings.

I feel incredibly honored to be Scout’s person, and my gratitude for this furry guy will extend far beyond his years with me. 

And PS – a chambray shirt is always a good classic. 🙂

XO

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Find how I prepped the pup for our baby here!