You’ll probably notice that this post is a day late, but with good reason: we rescued this beautiful girl from the animal shelter on Friday. It all happened quite fast, actually, as I’d been trying to decide if I was ready for another dog yet for a while. I mentioned to Leo Friday that I thought I was and then on the way home from picking Ethan up from camp on Friday we stopped at the shelter. And came home with Dagny.
She seems to be very happy in our home, although she was quite anxious at first. She’s about 10 months old, but had been in the shelter for a month or so, so she’s forgotten whatever potty training she might have had before. We’re crate training now, and hopefully she’ll be a quick learner, because so far whenever she’s out she thinks the carpet is her bathroom, refusing to even go outside sometimes. It doesn’t help that the little bunnies that are ALL OVER THE PLACE here distract her to no end!
Anyway, I’m so happy we found a new puppy to love. I had almost decided that I didn’t want to adopt another dog after Ozzie died. I thought that would be a way to protect myself from the horrible pain of his being sick and then losing him. It was the hardest thing I ever had to suffer, and I didn’t want to go through that again. But then I realized how ridiculous that is, and would I want to actually live my life that way? forever trying to protect myself from pain & suffering? Actually, yes, I would like to live that way, but not at the expense of deep love and intimacy with other living creatures.
And once I stepped into that shelter (after removing myself for a second to BAWL my eyes out) I knew I couldn’t leave without bringing someone home with me. They all need so much love, and if we have some to give, we should.
She is SO cute! Congratulations on the newest member of your family. My own belief, after having had numerous pets in our lives come and go throughout the years, is that our hearts have the capacity for infinite love. We find room. Love that sweetie, and she’ll adjust to her new home. ??
Congratulations on your new addition! Dagny’s a beautiful girl and bless you for opening your heart and life to this sweetheart.
I am so happy for you (and your family). What a cutie ! Pets have so much unconditional love to give. Congrats !
Congratulations! I love her sky high ears and her one knee sock. Out-of-control adorable!
Gretchen, she is a lovely girl. Give her time to settle in and connect with her new family, you will all be in love. We just lost our Flash this week, I am heartbroken. We adopted him 6 years ago as a senior and special needs dog but we were the ones who benefited from his love. Best wishes to you all.
She is adorable! Congratulations on your new addition! We adopted an adult German Shepherd 5 months after our pit bull passed away, and it has been both amazing and difficult. Three months in, he is finally seeming fairly settled and comfortable with us. I still miss my bully girl but we are enjoying our new boy so much, too. It is a roller coaster of emotions, and also a challenge for training. I feel you. 🙂 Good luck and please keep us posted on her integration into your family. 🙂
Great big hug to you and the new sweet pooch. It’s a good thing you do, for everyone.
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Yes! He is so handsome. Congrats on the new addition to your family! I can totally understand your hesitation – “puppy love” is honestly almost too intense for how short of a time we have them. But you are right, that is not how you want to live. The day to day joy is 1000% worth it.
thanks renza, i’ll definitely post updates frequently!! i think she’s settling in nicely actually. of course, she’s spending more time in her crate than outside of it now since we’re house training, but hopefully that’ll be done soon. she’s so playful and happy! i’d forgotten how difficult the training is. but it’s worth it, i know…
thanks sarah 🙂
i’m beginning to see that now, that the joy is worth going through the inevitable pain, but after ozzie was gone, i think i got to a place where i was almost glad to just not have the joy or the pain. which sort of scared me, honestly. now i remember what i was missing…
i’m so sorry pam 🙁
she’s so cute, and her ears are HUGE!!!
thanks val. it’s true, i think. i just don’t know how much pain i can take. physical pain, no problem, but i’m so sensitive that any emotional pain at all wipes me out. and i have a soft spot for any animal…
Congratulations on the newest member of the family!
So happy for you!
Awwww, congrats on getting a new baby to love! I know that pet lose is .. so difficult.
Don’t worry she’ll get the ‘go outside’ rule. If you see her doing her business outside, reward with a cookie! Mark good behavior vs. scolding bad behavior <3
Monica.