I don’t remember much about being born. I imagine my entrance into the world was naturally dramatic and chaotic. But I vaguely remember spending the first two months of my life with my litter mates in sunny San Diego, California before going to live with my furever family in Portland, Oregon.

My pawrents prepared extensively for my arrival. They read books on how to raise a puppy like The Art of Raising a Puppy and books with dogs as main characters like A Dog’s Purpose to try and understand how we learn and think.They reached out to other Coton pawrents on Instagram, researched different types of food, water, grooming tools, puppy schools, etc. They were sooo excited! For months they were the creepy dog lovers that hung out at different dog parks and frequented local pet shops -- the crazy couple with a puppy that still hadn't turned up yet.

When the moment for us to meet finally came, they drove to the wrong location to pick me up. Did they not read the pick-up instructions? Then again, they had a lot going on -- work, Auntie L visiting, and deciding last minute to put me on a red-eye flight, so I didn't die in transit (due to the heatwave at the time). And I'm sure my flight being delayed didn't help their ability to think straight either. When the airline staff asked what my pawrents were picking up, Mummy answered nervously, "one live dog." Without really checking, the bloke behind the counter replied that no dog had arrived. Mummy's heart sunk. Just as she was about to recheck my flight status they heard me being rolled in. I was so tiny Mummy couldn't see me at first. Her heart was racing, and I remember hearing her whisper to Daddy, "um, where is our puppy?" And then the floodgates opened as they set eyes on me for the first time.

At just around 2 months old, I was understandably unsure of the two sleepy-eyed hoomans who were claiming to be my new pawrents. I was covered in my own potty mess and didn't smell very nice. But their hearts were filled with love and Mummy’s sweet voice and gentle touch filled me with relief.

My pawrents fed me before giving me a bath. I was so happy to be fresh and clean. It took me all of one day to acclimate to my new surroundings. What's not to love being the centre of attention and having hoomans wait on me hand and foot? I guess that aptly sums up my “gotcha day”.  And the rest? Follow my daily adventures on Instagram to find out what I’m up to!