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Once a moment has passed, you can never return to it. However, you can change how that moment affects your future; It can pass as nothing but an insignificant blip in time, or it can shift the way you think. Often times these occasions happen during adolescence while the brain is still developing. I can recall quite a few moments that explain a lot about who I am today, but one story stands out in particular. You see, I am very cautious and probably always will be. I am also a huge animal lover. These two traits are immense aspects of my identity and I can actually remember the exact day that they were established in my brain, similar to a rock settling at the bottom of the ocean. However, along with these traits came the realization: There is no such thing as too much gratitude or kindness.

About 2 months earlier, my parents surprised my two older sisters and I; We were finally getting a puppy from the humane society. They were having a weekend event because the shelters were becoming overpopulated (surprise, surprise). Once we arrived, it was especially crowded; We got one of the last puppies available. I remember my oldest sister protectively holding him while my parents were filling out the paperwork. Other would-be adopters were similar to vultures, commenting on how cute he was and asking if our family was indubitably adopting him. Looking back, this was some interesting behaviour considering all of us at this event were animal lovers, trying to help these dogs, and yet these people were still only looking out for their own best interest.

After returning home, our lives were still adjusting to this bundle of energy (for quite some time), and I, being a 7 year old, was absolutely loving it. Finally, I had someone who I could play with with nothing more than a light whistle; No more standing around waiting for my parents or siblings to provide me with their entertainment. My heart was filled with unfeigned delight. Naturally, my parent’s hearts were filled with something more along the lines of distress, still getting used to the new lively addition.

Looking back, this day was similar to any other. I was just going about my normal Sunday day: playing a game or two, finishing up some homework problems, bugging my older sisters. All of a sudden, I heard our new puppy, Buddy, barking at the back door, signaling that he needed to go outside. Without thinking much of it I stopped what I was doing and opened the door to let him out. It was only a few seconds later that I realized my mistake; Our back gate wasn't closed.

Now I know this doesn't sound like a such a big deal. “So what, just go out and get him, he probably hasn't even realized that the gate’s open yet.” You’re most likely thinking. However, this was a big deal. I was the youngest sister, always annoying my older sisters and trying to act older than I was. I wasn't given very many responsibilities, and if I was the one who lost our new dog, I'm doubtful they would ever let me forget it. Due to this, it was imperative that I got the dog back with no problems.

Immediately my mind went to the worst case scenario. I was visualizing my family and I with flashlights, calling out to him until 12am, or us finding him in the middle of the road, hit by a car. This was one of the worst things that could've happened! God, how could I have let this happen?! Due to my inexperience and juvenile brain, this was the most awful incidence that could've happened