I became one of those people. The type who say, Oh, I'd NEVER… when it came to raising kids. And right about now every parent is rolling their eyes because childless couples surmise they could raise tantrumless kids (*insert another eye roll here*). It happened yesterday when I said I'd NEVER ______ when it came to my future kid.

My sister-in-law looked at me and simply said, Jasmine, you cradle your dog, give him anything he wants, and spoil him…you're going to do the same with your offspring.

I scoffed and denied such atrocious allegations (but, really, cradling a dog is normal, right?), but what I didn't say was that I had a canine cupcake and a birthday hat waiting at home for Polo. My dog (and best friend) is eight years old and if I spoil him (which may or may not be true), I do so because he brings me so much joy.

I'm inexplicably obsessed with my dog and I'm lost for words when it comes to describing the role he plays in my life. No one is happier to see me come home from the grocery store, no one is more willing to cuddle on the couch, no one is a cuter snorer. I'm happy to call him my own and I hope I have 80 more years of spoiling to come.

Happy Birthday, Polo.