When Anna was in her sophomore year and beginning her junior year in college, she overcame a lot of personal obstacles. She had been wanting a dog but we weren’t sure she was ready to take care of one. Because she grew so much during this time, Richard and I decided we would get her a dog. This adorable litter of labs popped up on my Facebook feed and we decided to check them out.

Richard and I fell in love with all of them and then we took Anna to pick a puppy out. She and Nellie picked each other and Nellie became a Smallwood on December 20, 2019.

Nellie lived in Chattanooga until the pandemic closed schools down and then she and Anna moved in with us. We thought this move would be temporary but life had other plans for us. Anna decided to take a semester off and then start cosmetology school. Richard unexpectedly died in October of 2020. So Nellie and Anna have been here with me.

We love having Nellie here. She followed Richard around the backyard constantly. He took her to the lake. We fell more in love with her each day.

Over the past year Nellie has brought me comfort when I have been so sad! She has snuggled with me, sat with me, made me laugh, and been so wonderful.

Today is her second birthday. I’m so thankful for this sweet girl and the joy she brings to my life daily.

We are celebrating with homemade treats and toys…including one special one from her grandpa!