I walked into the store just looking for some dog food

Seven years ago, I walked into the store just looking for some dog food. I wasn’t planning on anything life-changing that day. But then, I saw this tiny black puppy, sitting quietly in the corner of a small enclosure. His eyes met mine and… something just clicked.

I remember picking him up and placing him in the cart, unsure of everything except one thing: he was coming home with me. That photo on the left was taken on our first shopping trip together. I had no idea what I was doing as a new dog dad, but he didn’t care. He just curled up in that cart like he belonged there like he belonged with me.

Fast forward seven years. That little ball of fur is now this beautiful, strong companion beside me. Same cart, same store, but a thousand memories in between. We’ve been through so much long walks, muddy adventures, quiet nights, health scares, and moments I didn’t know I needed until he gave them to me.

People often say “they’re just dogs,” but this guy… he taught me loyalty, patience, and unconditional love. He’s been there on my bad days, sat with me through heartbreak, and celebrated my wins with his goofy tail wags.
Now when we walk through the store, people stop and smile. They see the bond. What they don’t see is the man I was before him a little lost, a little lonely. And they don’t see the man I became because of him grounded, grateful, and forever changed.

Seven years in, and I still push him around in the cart not because he needs it, but because it reminds me where we started. From a puppy in a shopping cart to my best friend for life.
Here’s to many more rides together.