We often say, my wife and I,
that Ella is our first dog,
the one you make your mistakes on.
But for me, that isn't true.
My first dog was Jessie,
a runty black shepherd mix.
Some of the mistakes I made
with Jessie were things like
Don't scold the dog unless
you catch her in the act.
Don't let the dog bite you.
Don't ever hit the dog.
Don't buy a dog with someone
you don't like, let alone love.
All mistakes I wouldn't
ever ever make with Ella.
