Although we are currently 1,794 miles away from our beloved rescue mutt Bear, we didn't forget that yesterday was his adopt-a-versary. I can't believe it has already been two years since this little guy wiggled his way into our hearts. It feels like he has been a part of our family since day one, and we can't imagine life without him. 

I call Bear my little therapy dog, and I truly believe he is an angel that was sent to us. We were going through a tough time a little over two years ago. There was a sequence of stressful events that had happened within a few months, and we definitely felt a little down. We decided it was time to bring some joy on to the Saccullo scene. Having both grown up with small breed fluffy pups, it was our dream to adopt one of our own. When Eric saw this face on Petfinder, he just couldn't resist. I mean, look at this guy. You'd have to have a heart of stone not to smile back at that face!

We have no idea why, but heartbreakingly, Bear was in a high-kill shelter just outside of Houston, TX. He was rescued by his amazing foster mom Sharon who runs Save our Strays Fort Bend. (More on their amazing mission here.) About a week later, Bear Houston Saccullo (the artist formally know as Giles) arrived via a rescue truck called Rescue Road Trips. You can follow their uplifting journeys on Facebook here. 

What a traveling man Mr. Bear proved to be! After days of driving, this wiggly pup was lovingly lifted out of his crate and placed directly into our arms at a parking lot in Spring Vally, NY. He immediately showered us with kisses and then went off to frolic in the snow, which he had clearly never seen before. 

It took about a week or so, but with the help of our rockstar dog-walker and some early mornings and late nights, Bear made himself right at home at le petit apt. It's a good thing, because no matter what, we had vowed that this little man was not going back! For better or for worse, we took a leap of faith. It paid off, and then some.

Since that fateful cold day in February 2013, our fur-baby, our first baby, has lifted our spirits on a daily basis. Since his contagious positive energy was so therapeutic for us, we decided that we needed to share the wealth. We had him trained and certified as a therapy dog with the talented and hilarious Claire Cario of the Good Dog Foundation . Bear visits old age homes in our neighborhood where he loves to curl up on alzheimer and dementia patients' laps. Even if it brightens their day for just a moment, it's worth the trip. 

I truly believe Bear rescued us just as much as we rescued him. He's a best friend, a companion, a listener, a blood-pressure reducer, a kind and gentle big brother. He's a huge part of what makes our house a home. And let's be honest, an interior is just better when there's a pup in it. Okay, so you may have to steam-clean your rugs and upholstery about 12 more times a year, but it's well worth it! 

How does your dog elevate your heart and your home? 

~L.S.

For more pupspiration, visit my Pinterest board here.