...We found a dog!
We were pretty dejected on Monday night, but on Tuesday morning, I went to Petfinder (No, I couldn't help myself. Don't judge!) and saw that three new shih tzus had been posted at a local DC shelter. In fact, it was the closest shelter to The Lawyer's home and the very first one that we looked at back in October or November.
I basically threw on a pair of jeans and got in the car as fast as I could (to beat the frou frou dog "rescue" organizations that always scoop up the little dogs first and then resell them at a $250 profit after you pass their "screening"). I got to the shelter probably within minutes of them updating the list and since all three dogs came in together, the shelter put them all on hold until The Lawyer could come after work to meet them too.
We're unclear on what their story is, but we suspect puppy mill rescue, based on the fact that they're not spayed or neutered, not potty trained (despite being older), one of the one year old pups has visibly sagging teets, and all three of them came in together, with a vague backstory.
The one we chose took an immediate liking to The Lawyer, sidling right up to him and laying his head in his lap. We talked quite a bit about taking more than one, but I'm a first time dog owner and I'm the one who's going to be at home with the dog. I'm just not sure if I can handle more than one, even though it might actually be easier if they stay together (and have a playmate, etc.). So, we have to pray for someone else to keep the other two together, because we can't right now.
We also talked for hours and hours about "timing" and whether or not this was the right thing for us right now. And, what about if I go back to school? And, what if the dog has jealousy issues when we have kids? And, what if he barks or is sad when we're not at home? Who are we going to leave him with when we go on vacations?
I mean, the list went on and on and on. For HOURS.
The bottom line is that this is going to be OK. I have a fairly fatalistic view about life right now, due to my medical school situation, but we are both grown up people--one of whom owns the home where the dog is going to live and the other of whom will be home all day to help the dog acclimate to its new home and to take it out 29873984 times a day. We can totally do this.
Also, The Lawyer lives in a tiny building with close-knit neighbors--many of whom own dogs and one of whom is a retired dog walker who has already offered to pup sit/walk for us. So, we'll be OK, even if we do go back to school/get busy/take a vacation.
So, after much discussion, anxiety, prayer, and aggressive driving to that shelter, we got our dog! We take him home on Saturday! (And yes, I'm vacillating between excitement and nervousness right now. This is normal, yes?)
(Also, I don't have pictures yet, because he's shy and wiggly, so I couldn't get him to look right at me or to stop moving. So. When we take him home, I promise to post a barrage of annoying and overdone "PUPPY! PUPPY! PUPPY!" pictures :D)
14 comments:
AHHHHHHH! How exciting. You will definitely be fine. Puppies are the best. I'm desperate for an alaskan sled dog. They just melt me. Have you guys picked out a name?
Elena- Aww, yay! We haven't picked out a name yet. His assigned name is "Ethan" and we haven't decided whether or not we like that. I think we'll probably wait a few days and see, based on his personality, what suits him!
Puppy play date, please!
Aw, yay! I'm so glad you guys finally found one! I love puppies - I got a goldendoodle when I started med school & she's my BEST FRIEND (seriously, it borders on sad how much I love my dog haha)
And I kind of love the name Ethan - I'm just a sucker for dogs with people names.. especially grown-up people names :)
Paul- You got it! You might have to coach me too! I'm a little bit intimidated, since this is my first dog!
The Future Dr. Mier- Aww! You're not sad at all! The Lawyer is convinced that my mood and outlook on life are going to increase dramatically because of the therapeutic effects of this dog, and he's probably right. We've got to get him warmed up to people first, though! He's super shy right now...poor thing.
YAY!!! I can't wait to see the pictures! I kept checking your blog to see if you finally got your puppy, I am so happy for you! I will be waiting for your dog's name, my Gershwin had to wait for a few days before getting his.
Not all rescues are bad. Breed specific rescues are usually pretty good. The adoption fees are used to cover spay/neuter & vet costs. The dogs go to foster homes where their behavior is assessed and they go through basic training.
My dog makes me smile every day. I hope yours will have the same effect on you :)
I have two dogs. :)
One I got during my first marriage and I kept him after the divorce. It wasn't always easy being single girl in the city with a dog, but my oh my, did that little guy enrich my life.
Then, in 2008, I adopted a second dog. A larger one. I remember people telling me stuff like "What if you meet a man?" like that would deter me...uhm. NOT.
So I did meet a man and he does love the dogs just like I do. Having two dogs in the city wasn't much different than having one other than having double the yearly vaccination cost bills...however, I already had had #1 for 8 years...so as a first time owner taking on a dog that still needs houstraining...sister, you are doing the right thing. One is all good for starters:)
And thank you guys for rescuing a dog. My rescue dog is a real blessing. I feel so lucky that I found her. She was horribly abused and to see her blossom is a wonderful thing to witness.
French Frog- Thanks! And yes, I agree that not all rescue organizations are bad. The one that we got rejected from only charges $25 more than the shelter, but there are some of them up here that are charging $450+ for dogs that they've gotten from shelters. I'm just bitter about the "rescue" groups because it's annoying when they swoop in and get the most in-demand breeds, then get them groomed and smelling good, and hike up the price by a few hundred dollars.
Englandia- What a great story! Our new pup is sooo shy...he blatantly favors The Lawyer, but he isn't very playful or interactive yet. The Lawyer has owned a rescue dog before, though, and said that when he brought that dog home, it wouldn't make eye contact or acknowledge him. By the time he was acclimated, though, that dog was SOOO playful and sneaky. So, I'm taking The Lawyer's word on this one. And YES, to not taking two at once! I guess the rationale is that the dogs will be happier and have less anxiety if they stay together, but considering that both dogs would need housetraining, it would be a lot for a first time owner to take on. As I've been telling people, The Lawyer is the one who actually knows what to do. I'm just really good at following directions. :)
Yay!! I felt a lot of anxiety too when I first decided to adopt (even though it was only a kitty, way less work than a dog) but now I'm so, so happy I did. Pets really add so much joy to your life. Can't wait to see pictures!!
Jules- Yep, this is what The Lawyer tells me (that he was also anxious before his first dog, because he had no idea what he was doing). Come over after we get him and meet him! :)
I'm so glad you found a dog!! My best friend adopted a rescue dog (from a former puppy mill) and had some problems at first, but the dog is doing a LOT better now. The two are inseparable.
I think adopting a rescue dog is one of the best things you can do as a person. :)
Congratulations!
Do you mind if I say that I think you mean "sidling right up…" rather than "saddling right up to him." I know you're a writer - so I'm guessing it was auto-correct.
Not being a h8r - just pedantic.
si·dle [sahyd-l] verb, si·dled, si·dling, noun.
verb (used without object)
1. to move sideways or obliquely.
2. to edge along furtively.
Allison- Thanks!
Mizrwee- Thank you! I actually didn't even notice the mistake! Sometimes I write the blogs so fast, then only check comments on my phone, so I don't notice everything! I didn't think your comment was hating at all...it is appreciated. :)
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