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I was asked to write about the best gift I ever gave. Having thought a lot this year about giving, and remembering some of the favorite things we have given to others, I was excited to think more about it. What would top the list and become the best gift?

Hands down, it has to be the little ball of fluff that we all know and love. That’s right, Baby the Maltese is the best gift I ever gave. How could any other gift top the joy and laughter that comes from a dog? Not to mention giving her a warm, loving, home. So, since many of you don’t know how she came to be part of the family, let me share a bit more about her story. I think you will agree that she is indeed the best gift I have ever given.

After my father had his first stoke he was recovering well in body, but it was pretty obvious that he was also a bit depressed. As one who had always been active and the one helping others (he was a psychologist), to suddenly be having major health problems and need help, it’s no wonder he was feeling a bit blue. My mom also had to make major adjustments to her new life caring for him, and cooking a new diet. With more strokes to follow, and type two diabetes in the future, it was obvious to me that they needed a little something to pick them both up.

It was really somewhat of an accident. I hadn’t gone looking to get a puppy that day, but there she was. She gave me “the look”, and I knew right away that she was supposed to come home and be part of our family. This happened with our first dog (also a Maltese), who crawled into my coat and wouldn’t come out. For those of you who have dogs, you probably know exactly what I am talking about.

They were shocked when they saw this tiny, adorable, ball of fluff. She seemed to know that she had some work to do and set out to win over my dad. Instinct perhaps? But something told her that she was there to watch over him, and be his little buddy. It didn’t take long for her to worm her way into his, and everyone else’s hearts.

But I think my mom put it best when she said “she brought his smile back”. What better gift could there be than that?

So, now I would love to know! What is the best gift you ever gave?

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