I fell in love with a new puppy last week.I never met her in person; just saw her photo and description on the Marin Humane Society's adoption website.
Oh, I knew she was the girl for me. And she was the girl for Bartlett, too, I was almost certain.
Bartlett would love a companion. And I come from long years of raising a pair of pooches at the same time.
But I'd never had a dog as difficult to raise as Bartlett. She's almost 18 months now, and only just now so much more mellow. Was I ready for a new baby (five months old) this soon?
I kind of didn't think so, not yet. Also, it's a terrible time of year for housebreaking a doggie. So I let it go. I didn't jump.
I was probably too late already. So it goes.
Cranky was so, so gentle and understanding. It would be OK, he said, if I was really sure it would be OK.
And I wasn't sure.
In a couple of days, the pretty girl was adopted by somebody else. I knew it would happen. Fine.
But I mourned. I grieved. I was really surprised by my emotions. I'm not suffering, but this is interesting.
So maybe in a few more months. I'll renew my insider connection at the pound, and find out when litters of puppies are expected to meet the public, and I'll be first in line.
This doggie who went to somebody else's forever home? Her name was Miracle.
Sigh.
I'd probably have changed it to Miracle Whip. (Not!)
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20 comments:
Before you get a new baby, I would like to see you and baby Bartlet pics together!
You wouldn't dress the puppy though, would you?
Love the 'watercolour' ;)
Knancy: (Are you a knitter?) I don't photo myself, hardly ever. Here's Bartlett at eight weeks. (That IS my knee she's on.) :)
http://madeater.blogspot.com/search?q=hizzle
Mouse: Ooh. I've been known to put a down vest or a dorky striped sweater on a dog... Because of the weather! No tutus, though.
I tried the double watercolor effect on Tigger, BTW, and it was good, but very pale. Thanks so much for that link.
A difficult dog might not welcome a little friend. If Bartlett is just settling down into a good companion, why not let her (and you) enjoy the relaxed atmosphere for a while.
Moose - who was also very difficult as a pup - doesn't see any point whatsoever in having another dog in the home. He will put up with other dogs as guests, but he truly believes this should be a one-dog household, and really resents attention paid to others. As Moose isn't getting any younger, people keep suggesting that I get another 'transition' dog, but I cannot see that being a satisfactory solution for any of the protagonists.
And what Ms Mouse said about dressing up the puppy!
J-in-Wales: Your advice is good. I would never have taken the puppy permanently without a trial in our home.
{{ I just feel a little bit scolded! }}
Oh my..
I feel for your hurt; you probably knew that it would be difficult and maybe Bartlett wouldn't welcome a new dog which is why you hesitated. Still, the heart has it's reasons that the brain can't comprehend - so, maybe the next time may be the really "right" time?
Greg: We'll see!
Nancy: Beautifully put. Thanks for the empathy. I think Bartlett can handle a companion, but for the humans in the house, it was too soon. It has been a really interesting journey of just a few short days. I'm open minded. The future is always a good thing to look forward to.
Ooops. Sorry. Didn't mean to scold.
I am sure you will do what is right for your little family.
Jxxx
Heh, she looks a lot like my sister's Butter. Neat! Her cat's name is Biscuit.
xo, Biggles
J-in-Wales: At this point, I did exactly what's right for our little family! Thanks for the xxx. Back at ya: xxx
Biggles: Butter. Biscuit. Miracle Whip. It's a picnic!
I know the hesitation feeling - I looked at many photos of appealing dogs before I happened on Cora's. When that happened, I just *knew* she was the right one. And, altho' we had lots of problems along the way that delayed her adoption, she was still there when we finally sorted it all out. When it's right, it's right. Trust yourself.
Zoomie: I'm still in a *mood* over this, but I'm sensible and I know it's OK.
Thanks for the pep talk. I know how you had to delay Cora coming into your home, and I'm so glad it worked out wonderfully.
I'm all a'twitch about the coming months.
Your best right dog will come along, now that you are receptive. You might even let it be known at the Humane Society that should things not work out with Miracle's new owners, you'd like to be on the waiting list.
In this photo, Bartlett looks like an African wild dog. Very cool.
Zoomie: Oh, they gots waiting lists at the pound! Miracle must have a dozen waiters.
I'm moving on.
Hey, you doing this from your Droid? Cool!
I got a wonderful Chihuahua puppy as a gift (the giver knew I wanted a puppy,) back in late September. He's a wonderful puppy and learned right away to use the piddle pads. A couple of months later I saw an ad for a female "pug-huahua." I went out and met her and her mother but my housemates (son and his fiancee) didn't really want me to get another dog so soon. Additionally, I wasn't wild about paying as much as they were asking for a mixed breed dog.
Then, New Year's Eve, I ran into the little pug-huahua's owner. He asked me if I still wanted her-- for free! I said I did and went out and got her New Year's Day. They didn't get along very well that first day, but fell into an easy tolerance of each other pretty quickly. Within two weeks they were lost without each other. She has given him a wonderful playmate and will be a great little "wife" for him. Some of my friends are really excited about the possibility of a doggie wedding late this spring.
As for dogs in clothes, small, short-haired breeds like Chihuahuas really need their sweaters. People who gripe about how Chihuahuas shake can't seem to understand that they shake because they are cold! Just like humans. Go figure. My little boy, Jethro, LOVES his sweaters and my little girl, Ellie May, likes hers when it's really cold but is a little doggie stripper when it's over 60 degrees. They both like to sleep under the covers with me at night. It's like a doggie powered electric blanket and I totally LOVE it! (And them!)
Cali: What a great comment. I loved reading every word. I'm so happy for you and your two Hillbillies. It's very encouraging for me.
I think the right time will... come!
And, yes, a little external warmth is often needed for the shorthairs. I even had a sweater and a vest for my Maltese, and he was fuzzy -- but he could get cold.
Thanks!
I promise I won't say anything.... but I guess you know what I'm thinking, so I'll say it
please... be ready soon!
(ducking fast)
Bewitching: Duck? No, dog! I was checking the adoption site at the Humane Society today. I feel very flexible. I could take an old girl, a shy boy... As long as they are small and can tolerate the Pogo Stick.
Thanks! Soon, probably. :)
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