We have a new dog!

My children told me last week that they were ready for a new dog.

I'd been leaving the decision up to them after they lost their precious Chelsie just this past May.

So armed with much "suitable-breed" research and high hopes, we trotted off to the Humane Society on Saturday, to see what was available in the doggie department. I told the kids we might have to look for a while, and maybe even return several times, to find a dog that we felt was "right" for us.

The place is a HUGE labyrinth of adorable faces and wet noses and I always want to spend time with each dog. If I had my way (and money and space!!) I'd return home with every single one of those big, shaggy, old, not-so-adoptable dogs (though they DO have a good record - this shelter is well on their way to meeting the goal of being a "no-kill" shelter by next summer). But I digress...

We walked through the kennels and looked at lots of dogs who were great; sweet, wonderful, adorable - but wouldn't work for our situation for whatever reason - "not good with cats", "can't go outdoors", "not for small children"... I didn't think we were that picky but we kept having to walk past dog after dog...

Finally at the very end of the last row, (isn't it always that way?) we discovered a little guy whom we all fell in love with immediately!

Well, the shelter happily put a "hold" on him and said he'd be ready for pick-up Friday. My kids were bummed we couldn't bring him home right then and there, but the staff explained there was a waiting period, plus all adopted dogs got a vet check-up, x-rays, shots, a behavioural evaluation and a microchip - and all that took the employees some time to complete....
So this morning (Monday! Five days early! Wow!) I got a call and the shelter had "our" dog ready to come home. They had completed all the evaluations and such in record time, because they needed as many empty kennels as possible for the 4th of July.

They said they get over 200... TWO HUNDRED lost animals into the center after the noise and confusion of the 4th. I know this is a large-city shelter - but...wow!(PLEASE make sure your pets are safe and secure if you'll be celebrating!!!).

This afternoon we proudly brought "Wilson", our darling little Rat Terrier, home with us!! I am positive he's as thrilled as my kids are!