Welcome!

I started college at FSU in 2013. I made some amazing friends. Sam, Shawn, and I all joined Greek life that spring. Tommy started in 2014 at FSU. When he toured over the summer, he met Sam. They continued to talk through Tommy's freshman year. Through Sam and Shawn, Tommy joined his fraternity that spring. I was introduced to Tommy during one of their meetings. From then on, I knew I wanted to be friends with him or more! We saw each other at some other events here and there, but started talking and hanging out more seriously in Spring 2015. We went on a triple date as our first date (super awkward at first and I can't even recall the movie!). Then, we went to each other's formals. We discovered that we have a lot in common and interests that both of us share. On May 14, 2015 Tommy took me on a hike in West Virginia. On top of a rock formation, looking at the blue sky and green trees, he asked me to be his girlfriend!

We took Granger for a hike out in West Virginia. After some Granger explorations, Tommy took us to the same spot that he asked me to be his girlfriend. His initial proposal was with a ring pop!!! He got down on two knees and asked "Would you make Granger and I really happy by marrying me?" How could I say no, to him or the puppy?? Then, when we were taking a selfie, the real ring was on his finger. My jaw dropped! I honestly thought I was only getting a ring pop. Thankfully, I got a real ring because Granger ate my entire ring pop! We stayed on the rocks for a bit to enjoy the breeze on a hot day in August after a 2 hour hike. It was the perfect proposal for us!

Early on a Saturday morning, my dad went looking at the Carroll County Animal Shelter page for a dog for him. He found that 4 lab mix puppies had been added to the shelter website that morning- 3 black lab puppies and 1 yellow lab. Dad talked to Tommy and I about adopting one of the dogs since Maya had passed a few months before. We all agreed that it would be a good idea for the whole family to go and find a dog with Dad. Tommy and I wanted a dog, but figured it wasn't the right time. At the shelter, we "interviewed" all of the puppies. The three black labs were wired with energy and wanted to be with everyone. The yellow lab wanted to be with Maddie and Dad mostly. One black lab went straight over to Tommy, stared at him, then dove into his lap. The lab stayed there while Tommy loved on him. Watching the happiness on Tommy's face is something I will never forget! After spending hours at the shelter, we started the process of adoption. The process took a week, including a home visit. Finally that following Friday, Tommy and I adopted Granger and my dad adopted Zeke. Having two puppies is a lot of work, but the love for these dogs only grows everyday. Granger is such a blessing to our family!