June 1, 2001 - The first day she came home with us. Here she is, exploring her new surroundings.

This squeaky lobster was one of Sophie's first toys and lasted longer than any of her future soft, stuffed animals, which she relishes disemboweling.

So cute, running down the hallway.

June 2, 2001 - Very small and tired, resting on Pat's lap.

June 5, 2001 - Before we got baby gates to contain our new puppy, I tried to barricade her out of our home office by using a cardboard box full of printer toner. If she couldn't climb over it, Sophie was determined to chew through it.

June 6, 2001 - Sophie takes a victory lap with her prize. She used her razor-sharp baby teeth to pry this sock off my struggling foot and then raced through the house with her treasure. (Sorry it's a little blurry; she moves fast!)

Then when she had exhausted herself, Sophie reclined on the floor with her trophy.

June 7, 2001 - One of my all-time favorite photos. Such an adorable little face, so much personality. It was not uncommon in Sophie's puppy days for strangers to stop us on the street and say, "That's the cutest dog I've ever seen," or "That's the smallest dog I've ever seen!" She was only about 3 pounds when we first brought her home.

June 30, 2001 (12 weeks old) - We read all the puppy books about quarantining your dog until it's had all its vaccinations. More mature dogs who are immune to disease can still be contagious or carry parasites, so puppies are especially vulnerable. We kept Sophie close to home in the beginning. She was so eager to explore the neighborhood, though, and you can see it in her chipper, expectant attitude here on one of her very first walks up and down the block.

July 3, 2001 (13 weeks old) - Sophie is a city dog, so she particularly enjoys playing in the park where there is real grass to roll around in—not to mention squirrels to stalk and chase.