Context: Nearly a year ago now, my girlfriend completely surprised me with a puppy!
Speaker 1: So about a year ago now, my girlfriend decided to surprise me with a puppy!
Speaker 2: Oh wow, puppies are nice.  What kind of puppy did you get?
Speaker 1: Yes, so nice!! It was the best thing that could've happened! It's a German Shepherd! 
Speaker 2: Thats a nice breed of dog.  I just went on a camping trip with a relative who has one, they are very loyal and smart of course.  Was he/she your first pet?