Born June 2011, Caesar is over 12 years old. He was my first dog as an adult and the very reason for my love of dogs–the very reason I do this.

Caesar came into my life during a period of self-growth. Who remembers being 19? Yeah, it wasn’t great. If you’ve read any of my personal blogs (or know me personally), you’ll know I have struggled on and off with my mental health. At 19, I needed a reason to live, and for me, that ended up being a dog.

I found Caesar on Craig’s List. He and his siblings lived on an Amish farm outside of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He wasn’t actually the first dog I picked up, but while I was holding another puppy, he looked at me and I fell in love. Caesar was a very, very hyper puppy who had a terrible chewing and barking problem, but despite our learning struggles, we managed to both grow into well-behaved adults.

Over the years, Caesar has moved six times with me, been through (and out-lasted) several relationships with me, was there when I graduated, walked me down the isle on my wedding day, and has been the best friend of a life-time.

We have traveled our world together–making hiking trips to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Hocking Hills, Yellow Springs, Columbus Metro Parks, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, The Great Smokey Mountains National Park, St. Louis, Topeka, and many locations in between.

Caesar has also taught me a lot about dog ownership. Being my first, he was my trail run. He and his brother, Jeter (passed in 2022), did not get along. So for almost 10 years, I learned to live with two dogs that I had to keep separated. Caesar may be an old dog, but he truly can learn new tricks. After losing Jeter, I adopted Gatsby, and Caesar has learned how to be an older–and grumpier–big brother.

He has surprised me over and over and has been a constant in my life.