BENTLEY ALVAREZLAURA ALVAREZ

Welcome Home, Bentley…. • It was September 25th, 2012 and I had just gotten out of class. I knew I needed to go grocery

shopping, but I didn't want to go by myself, so I called my friend to go with me. We were on our way to Walmart, when all of a sudden I saw a lady with a sign that read "Adopt a puppy". I love dogs, so naturally I wanted to stop by and just SEE the doggies they had. When we pulled over, there were three puppies in a little cage. They were so tiny and precious. One was a tan boy, the other one was a pitbull mix boy, and then there was a Black and Tan mixed girl. I instantly fell in love with all three. I began to talk to the guy about the dogs and how much it was to adopt one. I had been talking to my boyfriend for months about getting a dog. Back home, at my parent house, we have 2 dogs, and I love them so much. When I left for college I had a void that I knew only a puppy could fill. Being in a home without a dog was very different for me, lonely almost. When I saw these puppies I just knew it was meant to be. I talked to my friend for a bit trying to decide on what to do, and of course she loved them too so she agreed I should get one. I knew it was an impulsive thing to do, but I knew I was capable of owning a dog. I knew that I would be able to pay for pet insurance, food, shots and everything else that needed to be done to give this dog a great home and a great life. I then called my boyfriend to see what he thought about the idea. Since we lived together, I knew that I had to have his "okay" before I went any further. He was a little "iffy" about it at first, but after a little convincing he was all for it. He had wanted a puppy in the apartment as well, but was worried about the responsibilities it would come with. Either way, we both agreed on it and I began to sign the paperwork to take my new puppy home.

Welcome Home, Bentley continued..

• I had decided to go with the tan boy, mostly because I didn't want a female dog and I didn't want a dog that would get as big as the pitbull. I was so happy with my decision and I couldn't wait to get home to show him to my boyfriend. But before I could do that, I went to Petsmart with my friend to get all the basic needs for him. We got him a bed, a leash, some toys, some food, and some food and water bowls. Throughout the whole trip my new puppy did nothing but sleep. I took him to Banfield vet right after to get a basic check up and to get a weigh in on him. He was 7 weeks old and weighed 2.8 pounds. He was the smallest thing I had ever seen. When we finally got home, my boyfriend played with him for a while and fell in love with him as well. It was hard not to. He was so adorable. A chubby little guy with the cutest little face. We then started thinking about what to name him. My other dogs are Roscoe and Romeo, so we wanted to find a name that started with an R. After about an hour we realized we could not find a name with an R that we liked, so we went with a name that I have always loved "Bentley". And so it was decided. We were officially a family of 3 now. Brian, Laura and our puppy Bentley. :)

An Unexpected Find

My little ray of sunshineYou came with no notice into this world of mine

A precious baby with not a worry in mindThere’s not a doubt in my mind, you were the perfect find

A perfect addition to this family of oursI treasure all these seconds, minutes, and hours

With you by my sideMakes life a worthwhile ride

You don’t ask for muchJust our love, affection, and soft touch

You’re more than a friendYou’re like a son that will be there to the end.

Get to know me!• Name: Bentley Alvarez• Date of Birth: August 4th, 2012• Breed: Doxie-Pin (Mini pinscher with a daschund mix)• Color: Tan• Current Weight: 27 pounds• Favorite Food: Anything Edible• Favorite Toy: A frisbee• Activity/Energy Level: EXTREMELY High• Special Physical Characteristics:

– He has one ear up, and one ear down– He has random little white patches

• Favorite Hobbies: – Bothering his uncle Roscoe (our Basset Hound/ Beagle mix)– Looking out the window– Taking naps– Sunbathing in the yard

Dear Mommy and Daddy,Dear Mommy and Daddy,I’m sorry I cried so much the first days. I was scared. I missed my brothers and sisters. I didn’t I’m sorry I cried so much the first days. I was scared. I missed my brothers and sisters. I didn’t know where you were taking me, and why they had to stay behind. But I love this new home. I know where you were taking me, and why they had to stay behind. But I love this new home. I love you and daddy so much, and I love everything you guys do for me. I’m a lucky dog! I hate it love you and daddy so much, and I love everything you guys do for me. I’m a lucky dog! I hate it when you guys have to go to work. I hate being home alone. But thank you for leaving the when you guys have to go to work. I hate being home alone. But thank you for leaving the window curtains open so I can look outside. I spend hours here waiting for you to come home! window curtains open so I can look outside. I spend hours here waiting for you to come home! You know what my favorite part of the day is? Dinner Time!!! You know what my favorite part of the day is? Dinner Time!!! I love this new food you buy me I love this new food you buy me now, the one with little chicken pieces, DELICIOUS! I wish you would give me some of your food now, the one with little chicken pieces, DELICIOUS! I wish you would give me some of your food too, now THAT looks like some real food. Share the wealth guys! Meanwhile, I’ll just go play too, now THAT looks like some real food. Share the wealth guys! Meanwhile, I’ll just go play with all my toys. I have so many now, I think somewhere over 40! Every time you come home with all my toys. I have so many now, I think somewhere over 40! Every time you come home with grocery bags I get so excited because I know you will have a little gift for me. I especially with grocery bags I get so excited because I know you will have a little gift for me. I especially love the edible gifts! After a long day of playtime and eating, I am grateful that you guys share love the edible gifts! After a long day of playtime and eating, I am grateful that you guys share your bed with me! It’s much bigger and comfier than mine! I have lots of room to stretch out, your bed with me! It’s much bigger and comfier than mine! I have lots of room to stretch out, which is how I prefer to sleep! I hope you guys never leave me, I love my life with you! I which is how I prefer to sleep! I hope you guys never leave me, I love my life with you! I promise to be the best doggy I can, even if sometimes I am all over the place acting crazy.promise to be the best doggy I can, even if sometimes I am all over the place acting crazy.

Love,Love,Your Best FriendYour Best FriendBentleyBentley

Why a DOG?When looking to get a pet, there are so many options out there. You can get a cat, a hamster, a snake, a bird, a turtle, or even a rabbit. So why choose a Dog over all those animals? Here’s why!A dog is one of the most loyal beings out there. Even when we aren’t the best person we can be for them, they will always be by our side. They are also great listeners. There are so many times when we just need someone to listen, and a Dog will be right there with you while you let it all out. Dogs are also grateful creatures. Even after a long day of being left alone, they will be so happy to see you when you get home. Most importantly, dogs have huge hearts, and are the only creatures in the world to love you more than they love themselves. Sure other pets are cool to have, but none compare to the love and joy a dog will bring into your life!

MY FIRST HALLOWEEN!

HAPPY HOWL-O-WEEN

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS!

AUTHORS PAGEMy name is Laura Alvarez, I am 21 years old and a Junior at UNC-Charlotte. I am majoring in Elementary Education with a concentration in International Studies. Teaching has always been my passion, and when I graduate I plan on moving to Brunswick County, at the coast of North Carolina. My multigenre project is dedicated to my precious baby boy Bentley. I don’t plan on having kids for a while, so right now, Bentley is just like a son to me, and I love him with all my heart!