4:59:56
PM

She always knows.

5:00 PM.

Stop working, Momma. Let's go.

Paris at Five

A life measured in little routines.

Come with me
Placeholder for an early photo of Paris
Her Story

The tiny thing who took over my whole heart

Since December 16, 2009

December 16, 2009. I get a text. Paris and her siblings have arrived.

About a month later, I go to meet her, bringing Angel, my seven year old Maltese and a full alpha dog. Angel is not easy to impress, but somehow she takes an immediate liking to this tiny Ewok-looking, gummy-bear little body thing. That is Paris.

Paris comes home for good around February 2010. She is full of life. She even brings the childhood back out of Angel. From the day Paris arrives until Angel passes in April 2015, those two are inseparable.

In December 2014, The Other Momma comes into her life and gives her the name we still call her, Shuggie Buggie with a Nuggie.

After Angel is gone, Paris is our only pup for years. Then, in March 2023, Misty joins us. Funny enough, Misty is not Misty yet. When I look at the rescue website, the name on the profile is Paris. We already have a Paris. What are the odds. That coincidence is exactly why I stop on the profile at all.

The little rescue puppy named Paris comes home and needs a new name. We already have a Paris Hilton, so a plain Misty will not do. She becomes Misty Elliott, a play on Missy Elliott.

Misty Elliott is an American Staffordshire Terrier, a bully-breed, which makes the sisters a funny picture: a tiny Shih Tzu big sister and a bully-breed little sister, and Paris is still clearly in charge. Paris does not quite realize what she is getting herself into. Misty is two months old and in full puppy mode; Paris has spent years as our only pup. Misty is not exactly the little sister Paris would have picked for herself.

Misty stays in full puppy mode for a good while, technically her first twelve months, and starts calming down after about a year. We always keep an eye on the two of them together, and Paris knows exactly how to put her little big sister in her place. Paris has never been an alpha dog the way Angel was, but with Misty, she is still in charge.

Now they have their routines together. Dog parks. Piling into my truck just to get pup cups. Walking through Sawgrass Mills Mall, where Misty walks and Paris rides in her stroller like the queen she is.

The tiny thing who took over my whole heart

Placeholder for a photo of Paris in the home office
The 5 O'Clock Routine

She keeps better time than any clock

Every day, right on the hour

After COVID, working from home becomes part of our life. Paris spends her days in my home office with me, usually snoozing nearby while I work.

But somehow, she always knows when it is 5:00 PM. No clock. No alarm. She wakes up and starts prancing around the office.

Her message is clear. Stop working, Momma. Let's go.

She keeps better time than any clock

Paris standing on Mommas desk keyboard, looking up at her
Stop Working, Momma

The gentlest interruption I have ever loved

She has a whole way of telling me. The prance. The little dance across the office floor. The look that says the workday is over whether I agree or not.

And she is always right. There is always a good reason to close the laptop, and most days she is it.

She reminds me the work will still be there tomorrow. She is usually right.

The gentlest interruption I have ever loved

Paris out on a walk at the park, grinning up at the camera
Our Walks

Everywhere I go, she goes

Co-pilot, sidekick, queen of the stroller

Paris goes everywhere with me. She comes to the park and watches me play basketball or racquetball. She goes on bike rides, tucked into her little carrier on my back.

She even goes to restaurants, where she sits quietly in her carrier. Most of the time, no one even knows she is there. Until she does the doggy shake. Then everyone knows.

These days there are two of them. Dog parks. Piling into my truck for pup cups. At the mall, Misty walks. Paris rides in her stroller like royalty.

Everywhere I go, she goes

Momma holding Paris at her office desk, both smiling at the camera.
She Follows Me Everywhere

My co-pilot across the whole state of Florida

Before COVID, Paris was a regular at my office. She came along on business trips to my other offices throughout Florida.

On those long drives across the state, Paris was my co-pilot. My sidekick. Everyone at the offices loved her. I did my IT thing while Paris sat quietly in her carrier.

Wherever I am, that is simply where she wants to be.

My co-pilot across the whole state of Florida

A close-up of Paris looking up at the camera.
My Little Protector

She waits for me outside the shower

Every day when it is time for me to shower, Paris follows me right into the bathroom. She settles in outside the shower and waits, keeping watch the whole time.

She is there when I step out, every single time, like she was making sure nothing happened to me while I could not see.

I always snap a picture of her waiting there, and I always tell her the same thing. Thank you for being my protector.

She waits for me outside the shower

Placeholder for a photo of Paris in an open suitcase
If She Cannot Come

The open suitcase trick

Not every trip is somewhere Paris can come. When I have to travel out of state, I leave my suitcase open while I pack.

Without fail, Paris jumps right in.

Maybe she figures that if she gets in there first, I have to take her along. Honestly, it almost works every time.

The open suitcase trick

Paris riding shotgun in the truck next to a pup cup
Car Rides

Shotgun, always

Paris loves the car with her whole body. It does not matter where we are going. A pup cup run counts. A quick errand counts.

For years, it is just the two of us on the road. Now Misty piles in too, but shotgun still belongs to Paris.

As long as she is riding along beside me, it is an adventure.

Shotgun, always

Placeholder for a soft close-up of Paris
The Names for Her

Every name is a small love letter

One dog, many names

Her full name is Paris Hilton. I name her after the singer, and after her 2006 song Stars Are Blind, one of my favorite songs at that time. So when this little puppy comes along in 2009, the name just fits. Paris Hilton. Of course that is her name.

She has more than one name, because one name is never enough for a dog like Paris.

Shuggie Buggie with a Nuggie is the name The Other Momma gives her when she comes into Paris's life in December 2014. It is the whole song she sings to her, all in one name.

Pookie Smukie is my name for her. It comes out on quiet afternoons and at office doorways and every time she looks up from a nap like she has a question.

Mommas baby is what she is every day, meaning simply, my baby. On every walk, at every doorway, at every five o'clock.

Every name is a small love letter

Photo timeline

Sixteen years, in warm light.

2009 to 2026. Every year, a small scene from her life.

Photo timeline from 2009 to 2026

  1. 2009

    The text

    December 16. She and her siblings arrive. I do not know it yet, but everything is about to change for me.

    Newborn Paris curled up asleep, just days old.
    • Newborn Paris resting her face on a soft blanket.
    • Puppy Paris held close, indoors near a doorway.
  2. Jan 2010

    The first time

    Late January. The very first time I hold her, with big sister Angel right in the middle of it all. Home is still a few weeks away, but my heart is already gone.

    Momma sitting on the floor holding puppy Paris, smiling.
    • Momma holding tiny puppy Paris with big sister Angel nearby.
    • Puppy Paris on the tile floor at Mommas feet.
  3. 2010

    Home at last

    February, the day I bring her home. Her very first car ride, piled up next to Angel. First stop the vet, then PetSmart.

    Baby Paris and Angel piled together on the first car ride home, Paris grinning and Angel with her tongue out
    • Momma carrying baby Paris home, with Angel the white Maltese over her shoulder
    • Baby Paris and Angel riding together in a PetSmart cart, her little paws hanging over the edge
  4. 2011

    Full of life

    She brings the play out of everyone. Here she is up on her hind legs dancing with my nephew, 3 at the time, on the balcony, both of them delighted.

    Paris up on her hind legs, front paws held in the hands of a small boy, dancing on a balcony
  5. September 2012

    Lazy Sunday

    A lazy Sunday sprawled out on our bed with her big sister Angel, both of them dozing the afternoon away.

    Paris and her big sister Angel sprawled out together on the bed on a lazy Sunday
  6. October 2012

    Her favorite ball

    She spends hours with her favorite pink tennis ball, tucked under her paw and guarded from me like treasure.

    Paris lying on the tile floor with her favorite pink tennis ball under her paw
  7. December 2013

    Christmas at home

    The holidays with her whole heart. Kisses at our tree, both my girls curled up in the glow of the lights, and Paris up on her hind legs reaching for the stockings on the wall.

    Paris standing on her hind legs reaching up toward a row of Christmas stockings on the wall
    • Paris giving Momma a kiss on the cheek by the Christmas tree, Momma in a Dolphins beanie
    • Paris and her big sister Angel resting together in front of the lit Christmas tree
    • Paris sitting up on the couch with her giraffe toy
    • Paris wrestling and playing with a stuffed toy on the floor
  8. 2014

    Paris and Angel

    All year, my two girls are inseparable, playing from morning to night.

    Paris and her big sister Angel side by side, both happy
    • Paris and Angel wrestling and playing together on the tile floor
    • Paris and Angel playing tug of war with a green stuffed toy
    • Paris and Angel standing together, both with little orange grooming bows in their fur
    • Paris and Angel resting on the couch with a pink ball between them
    • Paris and Angel relaxing together on the couch
  9. December 2014

    The Other Momma

    In December, The Other Momma comes into our life and gives her the name we still call her, Shuggie Buggie with a Nuggie.

    The Other Momma with Paris
  10. Christmas 2014

    Our first Christmas together

    Our whole family's first Christmas together, three stockings on the wall, one each for Angel, Paris, and The Other Momma. Somehow, I did not get a stocking that year.

    Paris and her big sister Angel sitting together in their holiday collars
    • Two small lit Christmas trees on a table with three named family stockings hanging below
    • Momma in a green elf hat holding Paris cheek to cheek at Christmas
    • Momma in a Dolphins Santa hat with Paris giving her a kiss
    • Paris and Angel resting among the wrapped Christmas presents
  11. 2015

    Goodbye, Angel

    In April, she becomes our only pup. Our inseparable years begin.

    Placeholder photo from 2015
  12. Summer 2015

    Paris on the water

    Memorial Day Sunday out on the boat with us, tongue in the wind, riding up front like she owns it.

    Paris standing at the front of the boat with her tongue out, water and sky behind her
    • Paris in her harness perched up on Willie V's shoulder on the boat
    • Paris and me smiling together on the boat out on the water
    • Paris at the front of the boat with the wind in her fur and the wake behind her
  13. Dec 2015

    Merry and bright

    Christmas 2015. She spends the season in her holiday sweater, surrounded by presents and a few furry friends who come to celebrate. She even tags along with me on a Christmas errand, holding court on a stool like she owns the place.

    Momma and Paris in matching Santa hats at Christmas.
    • Paris in her red Christmas sweater on the couch.
    • Paris grinning in the sun beside a pile of Christmas presents.
    • Paris greeting a furry friend by the Christmas tree.
    • Paris and a friend in matching holiday sweaters.
    • Paris sitting proudly on a stool while out on an errand with Momma.
  14. Feb 2016

    Her name in lights

    I fly to Vegas and leave her behind. One kiss goodbye before the airport, and then I turn a corner and there it is, the Paris hotel with her name up on the balloon. I think about her the whole trip. And she is right there waiting to greet me the second I get home.

    Momma kissing Paris goodbye before leaving for a trip.
    • Momma looking up at the Paris Las Vegas balloon sign.
    • Momma smiling in front of the Paris Las Vegas balloon.
    • Paris on her leash, happy to see Momma home again.
  15. 2016

    Back on the water

    Another boat day on the turquoise water with us, tucked safe in The Other Momma's arms.

    Paris in her blue harness held in The Other Momma's arms on the boat, turquoise water and a red buoy behind them
    • Paris held cheek to cheek with The Other Momma on the boat, open sea behind them
    • Close up of Paris's face on the boat with a colorful towel beside her
  16. Dec 2016

    Christmas everywhere

    December 2016. She does the whole holiday season right by my side, from cuddles under the twinkle lights to errands in her Santa gear to a night out at the big Christmas tree. Wherever I go, she goes.

    Momma and Paris in front of a big lit Christmas tree, Paris kissing her cheek.
    • Momma cuddling Paris under colorful star lights.
    • Momma kissing Paris, both in holiday gear.
    • Paris giving Momma a kiss during a holiday errand.
    • Paris riding co-pilot with Momma in her Santa hat.
    • Paris on her leash in front of an outdoor Christmas tree at night.
  17. 2017

    Courtside

    She comes to watch me play basketball and racquetball, holding down the court beside my gear.

    Paris and me cheek to cheek on the court, my flag cap and sunglasses on, the basketball hoop and sky behind us
    • Paris on the court next to my ball, racquet, water jug, and her carrier
    • Paris lying on the court beside my gear bag and water jug, watching me play
    • Paris sitting in the sunny grass with her water jug and carrier set up against the wall behind her
  18. July 2017

    Star-spangled sidekick

    The Fourth of July. I load up in my flag headband and star-spangled shades, and Paris rides along for the holiday, grinning from the back seat. Over at my friend's house, her cat Luna tries to take over the carrier. Paris has zero issues with that, sprawled out on the floor without a care in the world.

    Momma in a flag headband and star-spangled sunglasses with Paris grinning in the back seat on the Fourth of July.
    • Paris nose to nose with Luna the cat by her open carrier on the patio.
    • Paris sprawled out flat on the patio tile, completely relaxed.
  19. Oct 2017

    Little devil

    Halloween night. I am out trick or treating with my niece and nephew, and she comes along dressed as a tiny devil, stealing the whole street.

    Paris in a little devil costume, held close on Halloween night.
  20. Dec 2017

    New Year's Eve in the mountains

    December 2017. We load up for a road trip to a cabin in the Tennessee mountains to ring in the new year. Long drives with bacon in the back seat, cozy nights by the fire, and Paris bundled up against the mountain cold. She would not miss it for anything.

    The Other Momma holding Paris, watching the woods go by on the drive up.
    • Momma and Paris on the cabin porch, bundled up for the mountain cold.
    • Paris curled up asleep in her bed by the glowing fireplace.
    • Momma and Paris relaxing by the fire in the cabin.
    • Paris riding up front in her travel vest on the drive.
    • Paris in her car bed eyeing a snack of bacon on the road.
    • Momma and Paris at a gas stop during the drive up.
  21. February 2018

    Even the gym

    She comes with me to everything, even a workout, settled on the mats by the weights while I train.

    Momma down on the gym floor in a beanie with Paris sitting beside her near the weights
    • Paris resting on rubber gym mats next to a set of dumbbells, another little dog nearby
  22. March 2018

    Golden hour at the park

    A little photoshoot with her at the dog park, catching the sunset. She poses on the picnic table like she knows exactly how good she looks.

    Paris sitting on a picnic table at the park in golden evening light, the blurred park behind her
    • Paris standing on the picnic table looking at the camera in warm light
    • Paris in profile on the table with a palm tree behind her
    • Paris looking back over her shoulder from the picnic table
    • Paris on the picnic table with her tongue out, park behind her
  23. July 2018

    Red, white, and Paris

    Fourth of July. Paris suits up in her flag bandana and comes along for the whole celebration, riding in her carrier in the back seat and soaking up every bit of the holiday. She collects cuddles and kisses from her people all day long, exactly the way she likes it.

    Momma in a flag sleeve and blue sunglasses with Paris riding in her carrier in the back seat on the Fourth of July.
    • Paris in her plaid harness resting up over a shoulder outside on the Fourth of July.
    • Paris in her flag bandana getting a kiss on the Fourth of July.
  24. August 2018

    Co-pilot to Lake Wales

    The first drive out to my Lake Wales office. Morning coffee, a walk, and Paris right in the thick of it while I work.

    Placeholder photo from 2018
    • Paris trotting across the parking lot on the morning coffee run
    • Paris on a walk with me in my Tropic Oil polo
    • Paris lying on the office floor beside a computer tower and cables
    • Paris sitting right next to my office chair
    • Paris peeking out of her carrier with her water bowl beside the network cable
    • Paris curled up in her carrier next to a Back-UPS box
  25. November 2018

    Sunday at Duffy's

    Sunday, November 11, at Duffy's in Kendall, watching our Dolphins get run over by the Packers, 31 to 12. Bad game, good burger, good beer, and the best company right there in her carrier.

    Paris looking up cozy from inside her red carrier at the sports bar
    • Paris mid tongue-lick inside her carrier at Duffy's
    • The football game on the TVs at Duffy's with Paris's carrier in the foreground
  26. July 2019

    Poolside with her Mommas

    A lazy end-of-July afternoon in our pool. Paris pads across the big flag float to get to The Other Momma. This one is my favorite, it was my work laptop screensaver for years.

    Paris walking across a large American flag pool float toward The Other Momma in a striped sun hat in the bright blue pool.
  27. November 2019

    Riding partner

    A long bike ride with Paris tucked in the backpack carrier on my back, then a good meal to reward us both. She has her eye on the bacon.

    Momma in a bike helmet and sunglasses with Paris riding in the backpack carrier on her back
    • Paris in her carrier eyeing a plate of bacon on the table with great interest
  28. December 2019

    Christmas, and everyone's favorite

    Christmas 2019. Matching reindeer outfits by the tree, days at the office in her costume where everyone adores her, riding along to deliver gifts among the wrapped presents, and Christmas Eve, just the three of us, over at my best friend's house.

    Momma in a reindeer onesie holding Paris in her matching reindeer costume in front of the Christmas tree
    • Paris in her reindeer outfit at the office being greeted by a coworker's hands
    • Momma at her desk in a Santa hat and light-bulb necklace with Paris in her carrier in a reindeer outfit
    • Paris in a red bandana riding in the truck surrounded by wrapped Christmas gifts
    • Momma in a Dolphins Santa hat with The Other Momma and Paris in her red Christmas sweater
    • Momma in Santa Mickey ears holding Paris in her Christmas sweater
    • Paris in her red Christmas sweater with Momma in festive ears
  29. 2020

    Home office

    Working from home becomes our life, and she runs the 5 o'clock shift.

    Momma at her home office desk in a headset with Paris on her lap, dual monitors behind them
  30. NYE 2020

    Savannah for New Year

    Ringing in the new year in Savannah, Georgia. We even find The Paris Market, a whole shop with her name. She struts the brick sidewalks in her plaid coat and rides through the squares like she owns the city.

    Paris in her plaid buffalo-check coat walking along a brick sidewalk in Savannah
    • A hanging sign reading The Paris Market against a bright blue Savannah sky
    • Paris riding in her carrier taking in a Savannah square
    • Paris cheek to cheek with Momma in a camo beanie in Savannah
    • Paris bundled up with Momma in a black beanie in Savannah
    • Paris in her plaid coat on the front steps of a Savannah building
  31. 2021

    Along for the ride

    She rides in her carrier on my back while I bike, tongue out and happy, taking in the whole ride with me.

    Paris riding in her carrier on my back during a bike ride, tongue out, with my helmet and the bikes and sky behind us
  32. July 2022

    Fourth of July

    The Fourth of July again, just me and my Pookie Smukie, right where she belongs and ready to celebrate the day with me.

    Momma in a USA hat with Paris dressed up for the holiday, an American flag flying behind them on the Fourth of July.
  33. December 2022

    Christmas with the whole family

    Christmas 2022. Cozy in her sweater by the fire, the whole family together in their holiday best, and Christmas Day at my best friend's house, where Paris meets the newest little addition to the family.

    Paris in a red striped Christmas sweater resting on the ottoman with a cozy fireplace scene on the TV behind her
    • The whole family in Christmas sweaters gathered together, Paris held in someone's arms
    • Momma's nephew in a Santa hat holding Paris in the kitchen at Christmas
    • Paris in her red sweater out by the fire pit and pool
    • Momma holding Paris by the Christmas tree next to her best friend and the newest little addition to the family
  34. 2023

    Enter Misty

    In March we find a rescue puppy listed as Paris, of all names. The three of us go to meet her, and she comes home to become Misty.

    The rescue listing for a white puppy titled My name is Paris
    • Paris in her strawberry outfit meeting the tiny white puppy nose to nose for the first time
    • Paris in her strawberry outfit standing beside the tiny white puppy on the floor
    • Momma and The Other Momma meeting the puppy, with Paris there too
  35. March 2023

    The day we brought her home

    March 18, 2023. The day we finally pick up Misty and bring her home. Paris meets her new little sister, a tiny white puppy who fits right into the stroller beside her. By the end of the day they are already napping curled up together like they have always been a pair.

    Momma and The Other Momma crouched on the sidewalk with Paris and puppy Misty on pickup day.
    • Paris and tiny puppy Misty settled together in the stroller.
    • Puppy Misty resting on The Other Mommas shoulder on the way home.
    • Paris keeping watch while puppy Misty naps beside her.
    • Paris and Misty curled up napping together in their basket.
    • Puppy Misty exploring her new crib full of toys at home.
  36. July 2023

    First Fourth as sisters

    Our first Fourth of July as a family of four. Paris keeps watch while Misty floats in the pool, grinning under her umbrella. Just a few months after Misty comes home, and already celebrating side by side.

    Paris in her flag collar in the foreground watching Misty float in the pool on a woof raft under a small umbrella on the Fourth of July.
  37. December 2023

    The sisters' first Christmas

    Paris and Misty's very first Christmas together. Matching pajamas, cozy sweaters, and a night out driving through the holiday lights as a family of four.

    Momma in a Santa hat with Paris in a red sweater and Misty, all together at Christmas.
    • Momma in a Santa hat with Paris by the lit Christmas tree, Misty on the screen behind them.
    • Paris in her Christmas sweater resting on the couch beside a Ho Ho Ho pillow.
    • Paris and Misty standing together in matching Christmas pajamas.
    • Misty in Christmas pajamas stretched out next to Paris's carrier in the car.
    • A glowing Holiday Fantasy of Lights sign at night.
    • Paris looking out at a blue holiday lights display from the car at night.
    • Paris framed in the side mirror with holiday lights glowing behind her.
  38. 2024

    The queen and her little big sister

    Christmas 2024. Our queen and her little big sister, side by side in their holiday sweaters. Paris and Misty by the tree, matching pajamas on the couch, and the four of us together. Sixteen years in, and she still runs the show.

    Paris in front and her sister Misty behind her, in matching holiday sweaters on the couch.
    • Paris and Misty in plaid by the Christmas tree.
    • Momma and The Other Momma with Paris and Misty by the tree.
    • Momma with Paris and Misty in matching Christmas pajamas.
    • Momma and Paris in Santa hats by the Christmas tree.
    • Paris in her red sweater resting by the window.
    • Paris with a paw on the steering wheel like she is ready to drive.
    • Paris snuggled up with her fish toy on the couch.
    • Paris riding along in her car seat hammock.
  39. February 2025

    Gatlinburg in the mountains

    A February trip up to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, both girls bundled against the cold and riding together in the stroller. Paris takes in the mountain town wrapped up warm in my arms.

    Momma in a beanie holding Paris, wrapped in a striped blanket, a tall tower ride behind them in Gatlinburg
    • Paris and her sister Misty bundled up riding together in the red stroller
    • Paris looking out from inside the red stroller in her harness
    • Paris resting on a chair in her hoodie and scarf, all bundled up
    • The Other Momma pushing the red stroller with the dogs down a Gatlinburg sidewalk
    • Momma with Paris in her arms and Misty in a red hoodie on the floor, all together indoors
  40. Dec 2025

    Their sixteenth Christmas together

    Christmas 2025. She turns sixteen this month, and it is her sixteenth Christmas with me. She and Misty match in their pajamas, the four of us piled on the couch, and a morning with Santa at the park. Sixteen years in, and she is still the center of every Christmas.

    Close-up of Paris in her candy-cane sweater looking up at Momma.
    • Momma and The Other Momma with Paris and Misty visiting Santa at the park.
    • Momma and The Other Momma in Christmas pajamas cuddling Paris and Misty.
    • Paris and Misty in front of the stockings and a pile of presents.
    • The whole family in matching pajamas on the couch on Christmas morning.
    • Paris and Misty in matching floral pajamas.
  41. Today

    Still knows the time

    No clock, no alarm. Every day at five, she comes to get me.

    Paris sitting by the pool in her maroon shirt, gazing off in the afternoon.
Favorite memories

Small, exact things I do not want to forget.

Favorite memories

  • Paris peeking out of her floral carrier at a restaurant, looking innocent.

    Cover Blown

    She can sit so quietly in her carrier at a restaurant that no one knows she is there. Then comes the shake, tags jingling, and the whole room turns to look. Cover blown, every time.

  • Paris sitting up like royalty in her stroller with palm trees behind her.

    Queen of the stroller

    Paris does not walk when she can ride. This is Hollywood Beach, the last weekend before Misty comes home, just the two of us. She sits up in her stroller and takes it all in like the royalty she is.

  • Paris and puppy Misty lounging on the patio loungers in the backyard.

    What are the odds

    A rescue puppy on the website, already named Paris. I had to do a double take. That coincidence is the whole reason I stop on Misty's profile at all.

A Letter to Paris

My sweet Paris,

Thank you for waking up from your bed in my office every day right at five o'clock, and prancing around by the door like clockwork. Thank you for knowing, always, exactly when I need to stop and step away from the desk.

You are my co-pilot across the whole state, my sidekick at every office, the tiny thing who jumps into my suitcase so I cannot leave you behind. You measure our days in little routines, and those little routines add up to the best years of my life.

Thank you for always being my protector. Every single time I shower, you plant yourself right outside and stand guard until I am done, like nothing in this world is getting past you to get to me. And every time I have to leave you home alone, I promise you I will be back. Baby, I have never once broken that promise. I always come home to you.

You will always be my favorite Chuchi. When I was a little girl, we always had Shih Tzus, and for some crazy reason my mother named every single one of them Chuchi. But I never got to keep them. One after another they would slip out and escape, and one was even stolen right out of our backyard. It broke my heart every time. So when I call you my favorite Chuchi, I mean it with everything in me. You are the one who stayed. You are the one I get to keep. That is why I hold you so close, and why I am so protective of you. Nothing is ever going to happen to you, not while I am here.

You are, and will always be, Mommas baby. You are my Pookie Smukie. You are Shuggie Buggie with a Nuggie. Whatever name I say, you know it is for you.

I am so grateful for every ordinary afternoon with you curled up near my desk. When five o'clock comes, I am listening for your feet prancing around the floor.

You always know. And you are so deeply, completely loved.

Love always,

Momma

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Placeholder for a favorite photo of Paris

Paris

Since 2009

She always knows.

When it's five o'clock.