This was the weekend my middle child and I had been waiting for. We've wanted a dog for a really long time. The problem has been on my end. I have terrible allergies. Our long look has been heartbreaking and just plain hard on the boy. We've wanted someone to love; someone who would complete the dynamics at our house. Let's face it, the ol' "follow me home" blog was also running a bit dry...New material for sure!
We loaded the family into the car and took a visit to our county animal shelter. Ugh. You would be missing your soul if you go in there and NOT want to take them all home. They bark and put on their show from their kennels. It's like a talent show; the prize being a forever home. I loved so many of the dogs :( The five of us narrowed down our choice. I think we all chose Henry right away. The kids were in love.

Our new puppy is a Chihuahua-mixed Jack Russel. We named him Henry and he's taken to the name quite well. In one day, he is already chasing balls and returning them. He will keep us very busy. He's cuddly, he's fast and he pees all over everything. Ack! For the most part, he's what the kids were looking for.
On the way out of the shelter, we passed Lila. Ugh. Lila is a beagle/bull dog mix. She is at least seven. She is getting grey and it is quite obvious that Lila was never asked to walk. This is the fattest, saddest
We put the kids in a room with rambunctious Henry. Then, we let the elder, Lila into the mix. They did their smelling routine and started to share which kid they wanted to jump on. Mark and I sat outside the room, watching all three of our kids laughing and smiling at the two dogs who were strangers just moments ago.
"We have to take them both, Mark. They'll love the house and the yard. (1/2 acre)
"Are you sure?" He asked, knowing how much work was ahead for us.
"We'll be saving two little lives. I need that. The kids need that and of course the animals need that.
24 hours later, we adopted those cute animals, put them in our car and let the windows down. This is what freedom feels like! I could feel Lila in my arms breathe out deeply, relaxing and realizing (?) she was safe.
We drove to Petco. They saw our "new" dogs by the way the kids were twirling around the leashes and running to the "cute stuff." What the workers were probably MORE excited about, was the man and me. We were the couple dragging along and apparently wearing hats that said, "We're Tired AND We're SUCKERS! Sell us anything! We just want to go home."
New dogs, like new children, are not cheap.
***
Two Rules right off.
Dad: "The dogs are NOT to be on the furniture. Do not accept any of their poutiness. Be strong."
Me: "No matter what happens, I can not have any dogs in the sewing studio. I'm not kidding."
Dogs can't sleep where?
No spoiling?
Put your foot down, Mr. Man.
Henry resting on my cutting table... eh. I'm okay with it.
I believe my family is complete. For now.
What was your weekend like? How was the weather where you live? Pet owners- I will eventually get my life back, right?
Happy "Love-every-soul-who-is-locked-safely-in-your-house-tonight," friends :)
-Michele
How exciting! It takes a really good person to adopt a pet and I can't believed you adopted TWO! These animals are so lucky to have found your family. Enjoy your new additions!
ReplyDeleteJae Mac, I'm Just Sayin'...(Damn!)
Your comments are so kind, Jae Mac! Thank you for them :)
DeleteTwo days in...we're all still here!
How fantastic! You will have hours of fun and love from them I'm sure. My kids are nagging me too for the same thing. Ive said for years " This house aint big enough, wait till we do the extension." Of course we are now doing that and they have not forgotten so it looks like we will be doing the same thing in a few months time. Oh help. I said I'd never get a dog. You'll have to let me know what it is like!! Xx
ReplyDeleteToday was my first full day alone with the dogs, Claire. I learned that I'm both old and out of shape :) Already though, they feel like part of our family. I already have material for the blog! Get a dog so we can share experiences! XX
DeleteI love it! My animals help make my home what it is! Bre
ReplyDeleteThanks Bre. I'm so glad to read that. I felt like I had babies all over again. Actually, it felt like toddlers when they're beginning to walk...
DeleteI'm thrilled for you. And a little bit shaking my head at the whole "omg, she really didn't need to take on more responsibility" thing, but mostly thrilled. You're so sweet to have saved both dogs. I know you'll give them a joyous life and I hope they bring so much more love your way! XO
ReplyDeleteKaren, you always make me feel better. The taking on responsibility thing takes the focus off of yours truly. True therapy, indeed :) You know that there will come a day when I say these dogs saved me. XOX
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ReplyDeleteWhat took you so long? I have two dogs big (100 lbs) and two cats. You will always have a great friend by your side. I am so proud of you two taking on the older one!
Brenda
Brenda! I've missed you. I remember Emily being super tiny with a dog by her side. You are a great example. Lila feels like 100 pounds. Henry weighs in at a big old 7.5. Love you!
DeleteThey are adorable! Can't wait to see them! Char
ReplyDeleteTHanks girl! I'll see you soon. We may have to take one at a time!
DeleteI am so in love with both ofmthose puppy faces. They with both make life so much fun and you did an amazing thing by going to the shelter. Most people choose puppies, while there are so many great dogs that just need a chance to be loved. I cannot wait to hear/read about your new adventures as dog owners. Love you!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Kimmi. I told my friend that I will never buy a dog. THat place was full of potential animals looking for forever homes. 1st story will have to be about pee. How does one little dog pee so much? Love you too.
DeleteCongratulations!! Our home would not be complete without our assortment of dogs, cats, birds, fish and turtles. Now the GIRLS are lobbying for snakes, lizards, hamsters and chickens. Just when I could be thinking about downsizing, I am wondering if I will need a bigger house.
ReplyDeleteAnn, you have a mini zoo! My kids would be so jealous. The dogs are loving the chickens next door. Go for the bigger house. You are saving lots of little ones :) We almost went for the lizard. I was really worried I'd be allergic to every furry animal out there. So glad it worked out :)
DeleteLove it!!! I also love the "rules" that never stick... Ha!!!
ReplyDeleteBravo to the "M" family... best wishes going forward. And have fun along the way.
Slu
Thanks Slu. How is it that I'm such a strict parent, yet these dogs can do anything? Hmmm
DeleteAppreciate your wishes; we're going to try!
-MM
Believe it or not: I've actually had BOTH of those specific breeds! Great, loving dogs! We had a chihuahua-jack russell mix when I was maybe 6, and I used to have a bull dog-beagle (we called him a buggle) with an ex-boyfriend oh about 7 years ago. I had to give him up though during that split, otherwise I'd have kept him forever. I'm so happy for you guys because those are great dogs, and adopting pets is a wonderful joyous event. Good luck with the potty training, puppy kisses, and the rules that always get bent a little! I don't allow my kitties in my craft room either!!! Love you guys and miss you mucho!!
ReplyDeleteSavannah- I can't believe you've had both! THat is awesome. You'll have to give us tips and hints along the way. I look forward to the puppy kisses, but the potty training? Not so much :) We miss you too. On a side note, your FB message to Alex meant so much. She looks up to the Michigan family and the compliment made her day. In turn, that makes my day! We love and miss you too.
DeleteI am so happy you adopted these babies!! They are adorable and you won't regret it--they are now a part of your family to love and cherish for a long, long time. The majority of my pets have been rescue animals--and I wouldn't have it any other way. These little guys needed you as much as you needed them! Enjoy your new family members!!
ReplyDeleteTHanks Marcia! I hope they're around for a long time. I'm already in love. And you rescued animals too. I would have no doubt. Thanks for your support. Love from my extended family :) XOX
Delete:) I can't go to the shelter. 1- It breaks my heart 2- I leave with an animal every time.
ReplyDeleteThirteen years ago my sister talked me into doing a foster program with the humane society. My first job was three kittens who lost their mother. The plan was for me to feed and care for them until they were big enough to adopt out. All three of the kittens could fit in one hand when I first got them. When it came time to put them up for adoption... It killed me. I couldn't see them go. I adopted all three. I didn't even like cats. Two of them still live with me and they are still my best buds.
Pets are a lot of work, and in the end they always break our hearts. But the fun, happiness, loyalty, and love that comes from being a pet owner far out weighs the other stuff. Henry and Lila are fortunate you came along, I have no doubt they will be very happy being part of your pack for a long time.
But Michele I'm sorry, you have pets AND children. You will probably NEVER get your life back... But hey, that's ain't such a bad thing if you ask me. Take care...
Jon,
DeleteI can't imagine working for the foster program. Like you, I would have wanted to take everything home. It's funny that you talk about saving cats, even though you didn't "like" cats at first. We've been sharing a Siamese cat with our neighbor. I worry about her being too cold or if she found her way back home. We bought cat food and bowls , the whole nine yards. I do not like cats. I've always said it. Obviously, I changed my mind :)
Now I need to see pictures of your cats!
Pets AND children! I know! What were we thinking? Let's just say that the dogs went to sleep before my youngest last night. LOOOONG haul. You're absolutely right. It's not such a bad thing at all. I will love them forever. I am however, holding off from visiting the shelter for a long time!
Love this post and I can't wait for all the craziness to be wrote about! And BTW, having two boy children along with my man child and 3 dogs, I'm certifiably nuts! :)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have it any other way.
Good luck my FF
You know, you need a blog. I feel like many many people would love it :) Certifiably nuts is why we get along so well :)
DeleteHa! Don't tempt me to put all this craziness out there! I already make people slightly batty with my facebook statuses! LOL!
DeleteYou, my friend, have ALWAYS been the one with a way with words! I'll stick with reading and leave the writing to you. <3
It has only been a few days but they are certainly part of the family now. It's funny how they are opposites in so many ways. I think they are as good for each other as they are for us, even if we are all still learning to live together. Thanks for taking such good care of them during the day. You are outnumbered but manage to give them both the love and care they need (and clean up a little pee in between). They have been great additions to the family!
ReplyDeleteA little pee? How can that small dog pee that much? I can't believe it!
DeleteOpposites attract. Have you met US? <3
You have been nominated for the Liebster Award. I see you already have one, but here is another nomination! http://theuglytruthmom.blogspot.ca/2013/03/i-was-nominated-for-liebster-blog-award.html
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Andrea! I'm so happy! Woo Hoo! :)
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