Today is National Dog Day - one of those frivolous holidays like National Peach Pie Day or National Nude Day. Now, I do love me some peach pie and my toddler thinks every day is national nude day but I do believe that today's holiday is special.

I, like most people, have a dog that I adore. If you know me, you know that my little guy has been with me for over a decade - longer than my marriage - and he has been a huge part of my adult life.

When I was in college and looking for a dog companion, I had my heart set on a Yorkie. I put my application in EVERYWHERE for a rescue and one day a sketchy humane society a few hours away called. They warned me that he had been beaten and starved. I rushed over. To my surprise, this is what the shelter tried to pass off as a YORKIE.

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When I showed my confusion, they told me if I didn't take him home right then, he'd be put down. He was already caged in the death room and had bitten everyone who worked at the shelter. The funny thing was, he never growled or was mean to me. He walked around in a daze and curled up on my lap. I figured I'd adopt him for the $15 and find him a home.

That was in 2003... When I got Chaz the Chihuahua, he weighed eight pounds and was named Brownie. The person who owned him before me only gave him Dr. Pepper to drink and leftover scraps to eat. He now weighs a whopping 20 pounds. Though a naughty youngster and still occasionally pees on my husband's things when his feelings get hurt, I know my dog is hopelessly devoted to me. Chihuahuas are like that. Dogs are like that.

Chaz has seen boyfriends come and go. He's dealt with a husband, step-children, a new dog, a few moves and a new baby. He doesn't particularly care for ANY of these things but deals. He defends my home with all the might that a 13-year-old, 20 pound chihuahua has in him. He would give his life for me; I have no doubt of that. He's seen me through tears of sorrow, tears of joy and has been steadfast by my side through bouts of illness, broken hearts and commonplace nights of tv binge watching.

I know Chaz' life won't last forever but his spirit will. When just about everyone else in the world lets me down, I know his love is true and pure. As I understand it, most dogs are like that which is why you should take time today to bend down and acknowledge those furry friends who throw a party every single time you come home. If you don't have one of these amazing little creatures - check out petfinder.com for an adoptable pet. It was the BEST decision I ever made to run to a little place in Western Kentucky and get this guy. $15 for this dog; Love = priceless

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