Since I'll be out of town for Alice's first anniversary of coming home to my house, I'll take this moment to say what I'd say if I were making a toast to her.

One day, the heavens opened up and God (for this scenario, I'll assume there is one) said 'Liz deserves something really amazing.' From that, came my Alice. 19.5 pounds of sheer beagle joy, little one who has changed my life, forced me to take care of someone else first, licks my feet (I know, it's weird, but she loves it), reminds me of mealtimes and gives me pause at least once a day to say 'damn, she's cute and we're lucky.'

So, my Alice, happy being home for a year on May 27. I'm glad you're here.