Hello, fur-friends and humans! My name is Bear, and today is a pawsitively special day—I'm officially ONE year old! I can hardly believe it. It feels like just yesterday I was a tiny fluffball, stumbling around on wobbly legs, but here I am, a mighty German Shepherd, ready to celebrate!

One of my favorite humans is my mom, Lisa. Not only does she shower me with love and belly rubs, but she’s also a powerhouse business owner! Lisa runs several HOTWORX locations, where she helps folks get fit and healthy. I love watching her hustle and seeing all the happy faces come in and out of her studios. And guess what? She’s even a business sponsor of this publication, so you might see her name around! I’m so proud of her.

As I grew, I discovered the world is full of amazing things. I learned to chase butterflies (they're sneaky little creatures!), bark at squirrels (who seem to think they own the backyard), and play tug-of-war with my favorite rope toy. My humans say I have a knack for making them laugh with my goofy antics, especially when I try to catch my own tail—spoiler alert: it’s still elusive!

Now, let’s talk about my favorite things. Treats, of course! I’ve tasted all sorts of yummy snacks: crunchy kibble, chewy bones, and the occasional peanut butter surprise. And my birthday cake? Oh boy, it’s a pup-friendly delight made of sweet potato and peanut butter! My humans really know how to make a boy feel special.

This morning, I woke up to the smell of something delicious wafting through the air. I raced downstairs, my tail wagging like a propeller. There it was—my birthday banner, all colorful and bright, and a pile of gifts! I tore into them like a whirlwind, finding squeaky toys and a soft new blanket to snuggle in.

After a morning of play and treats, my humans took me to the park. Oh, the park! It’s like a wonderland for dogs! I chased my friends, rolled in the grass, and even splashed in the pond. I can’t help but feel like the luckiest dog in the world, surrounded by so much love and joy.

As the sun began to set, we gathered in our backyard for a little party with my favorite friends—both furry and human. We played games, ran around, and indulged in that scrumptious birthday cake. I may have gotten a little frosting on my nose, but who could blame me?

Thank you for celebrating my special day with me! Here’s to many more years of tail-wagging, treat-eating, and love-filled moments. And a big shoutout to my amazing mom, Lisa, for being such a wonderful businesswoman and the best mom a dog could ask for!

With puppy love,

Bear