According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, 2008 was the year of the rat, but in our house, it was the year of the dog. Specifically, a golden retriever we named Zoe Isabella.

If you follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, you may have seen her a few (hundred) times.

Quitting my day job in 2008 not only made it possible for us to bring Zoe into our lives, but for me to start writing. I started on romance in early 2009, and Zoe has been with me from the very beginning, forcing me to leave my writing cave for fresh air and sunshine.

So, since she turned nine this week: Happy birthday, Zoe!