Some might say I am stubborn, but I prefer to think of myself as a determined individual.When I make up my mind that I want something, chances are I will get what I want the way I want it or I will accomplish whatever it is I have decided to do.My determination is usually reserved for important matters, not for frivolous things or circumstances.For instance, perhaps the greatest example has to do with my family’s dog, Digger.As a freshman in high school I began wanting my family to get a new dog. It had been several years since Hector, our cocker spaniel, had died and I thought the time had come for a new puppy.That fall I began reading the Sunday classified section aloud to my mother and father. I made sure to read the "pets" section extra loud, highlighting the free dogs.They didn’t bite that fall, so for Christmas I asked for only one thing — a dog.Santa came and went and yet there were no new members added to our family. By spring they had grown tired of my asking. My father, ever the planner, told me that I could have a dog if I prepared for one.He informed me that in addition to food, a dog would need a place to live. If I could, without his help or money, build or buy a place for this dog to live, than perhaps my wishes would be granted.Of course, he should have known that such a demand would not put an end to my desires. I saw it as the opening I had been waiting for all along. I immediately got started on a plan.I saved my babysitting money that summer — I didn’t buy treats at my softball games; I didn’t buy a new swimsuit. I saved.By fall I had acquired a pretty decent amount of cash and I intended to use it. When school started I approached my good friend Chris Olson about making me a doghouse in his woodworking class.I knew he was a skilled craftsman and would keep the process within my budget.Unfortunately, the project took the backseat to his school projects so the doghouse wasn’t finished as the holidays approached. Again, I asked for a dog and none arrived.In the spring, construction began on one of the greatest and biggest doghouses I had ever seen. When the school year ended, Chris had received his A and my doghouse had been placed in a nice shady spot in my backyard.Hah! I informed my parents that now they would have to at least start thinking about the idea of getting the family a dog.I had dedicated nearly a year to my pursuit, never wavering from what I wanted and ever sure that eventually I would prevail.In June, at a company picnic, my mother’s co-worker arrived with a miniature Pomeranian puppy. Apparently, the tiny little fluff ball’s tail was too short to be sold to anyone interested in breeding her, making her a reject within the litter.I instantly bonded; this little thing was no bigger than a Wiffle ball and fluffier than any animal I had ever touched. She spent the afternoon digging holes in the dirt at the park. I recruited my younger siblings and together we begged and pleaded to bring her home for a "test drive."Lucky for us, she was unmistakably adorable and had won over my parents’ affections as well.Off we went with smiles on our faces, for we knew that anytime an animal had come home with our family for a "test" they had stayed the distance, making themselves a permanent member of our family.The little dog kept digging, but did little growing. Clearly a miniature Pomeranian was a small dog, and the HUGE doghouse became unnecessary. This little cutie wasn’t going to be living outside; she had plenty of laps to sleep on and dedicated all of her time to our family.Through her years she remained loyal to all of my siblings and my parents. Her life was devoted to my mother, whom she followed and defended with the vigor of the world’s best-trained watchdog.She commanded attention from everyone, always yipping, always prancing and always making me proud of my own determination. I knew my family needed her, and she made all of my efforts worthwhile, even if the doghouse was never used.In part, she is responsible for all of my accomplishments and achievements. In her life, I saw that if I worked hard and really focused, I could do or get anything. It simply takes determination and persistence.On Friday, Digger decided she had helped me learn enough lessons and made a speedy exit from our world.She now rests at the top of a hill overlooking the scenic Lake Oahe in central South Dakota. As a dog for my family, she was perfect and will long be remembered.Story ideas or comments can be e-mailed to Lexi Moore at lexim@star-herald.com or called in at 962-3561.