[Julia is graphic designer living in South West Florida with her two dogs: Picasso, a fifteen-year-old wire hair dapple dachshund, and Odie, a wild boar dachshund who will be three in a couple of weeks.]
Odie came into my life about 3 years ago. I had lost Sadie, an Australian Shepherd, and I couldn't begin to imagine adopting another dog. The pain was too great. But months past by and a couple of weeks before going on a trip to visit my oldest brother I came across the movie Garfield.

I shouted out loud: "I want Odie."

I thought he was the cutest doxie and just fell in love with his character. But there's no way I could get into adopting another one. I told everyone–and I mean everyone–I will NOT have another animal. The responsibility, the pain, or any other excuse was enough for me to make up my mind on the matter.

Well, after I came back from my trip, it was one day before my birthday and I I had a surprise welcome birthday party. It was literally just off the plane when I was surprised by close friends at a restaurant! After the celebration, I came home to find that all my furniture was moved to the side. I asked my other brother if he had a party when I was gone–he was babysitting my other dog, Picasso, while I was away–and he said no.

I suddenly heard a faint cry and there he was: a puppy. No doubt about it–he looked just like Odie and that's why I named him that. Now you may think how in the world he got me a puppy when I told everyone I didn't want one. Well, I missed telling one person and it was the ONLY person that didn't get the memo.

Moral of the story: be careful what you wish for. But in my case? The universe heard me and got me exactly what I wanted. LOVE.