I leaned over and gently kissed that spot on the back of her head, near her neck. That one, imperfect spot with its discoloration a sign, “KISS ME HERE!”

“Hey,” I cooed, breathing in her scent. She squinted, still blind with new life. “We’re going to be best friends, Olive”

My heart was full of joy I couldn’t quite understand: was it possible to love so quickly? Could I really be feeling this emotion so strongly within the first five minutes of meeting her?

I could, and I did. From the minute I walked in and they pointed her out to me, the one I’d carefully selected after hearing the descriptions on the phone, I was tearful and drawn. I wasn’t sure if I were allowed to pick her up but they urged me to. She sniffed at me, learning the scent that would mark me as hers forever more.

Six weeks later I brought her home, two weeks earlier than planned. We abandoned the crate the second night and for nearly eight years she has slept curled right into me. My first love, best friend, my partner in crime: my dog.