We've been considering a second dog for some time. It certainly wasn't in our plans a year ago that my dad would die and my sister (who lived with him) would become so critically ill--or a sequence of events that would bring their cats, Comet and Haley, to our house. Our kitten plans got put on hold. Puppy plans got put on hold. In fact, all my plans got put on hold--even if it was for a grocery run, laundry, or working in the yard. If any year felt out of control, it was 2017.
I'm so very thankful for getting my hands on a copy of
Cultivate by Lara Casey, and using the powersheet journals that compliment the book. It was incredibly helpful to read and focus and try to make a plan for myself. (I rated terribly in health and recreation. In fact, because of those ratings, I filter a lot of stuff I do or don't do through the sieve of it improving health and enjoyment.)
We missed out on the adoption of a gorgeous little Australian cattle dog, but that pup's face got me in the process of applying and interviewing with a rescue and getting on their puppy list.
Because you know what? My kids are growing up. Lanie will be sixteen this year. A year has already gone by too fast. I can't wait for everything to be righted before we live our lives. We can enjoy life in the wait, and I intend to do it with a wholehearted focus.
Several friends came forward to vouch for us as owners. One friend said, "Pray about this dog! That it would be the right dog for you." And I did. We were interviewed and approved. (Yippee!)
I got a few emails about new arrivals, but one batch
piqued my curiosity--a batch that had a collie-ish resemblance (I was
looking mainly for herding dogs because scent hounds are runners!) and a
puzzling set of names that seemed to speak to me. I applied for one of the girls.
We got to meet the bunch yesterday. Our little girl, who we've named Ruth (from Ruth 1:16), was out from the group, cuddling with one of the foster family's kids. We joined her on the welping mat, and before I knew it, we'd been there two hours. It was a bummer to leave without her, but she's got to get two more weeks behind her (she's getting deworming meds and last vaccines before they release her--although it's just protocol).
The foster mom asked if we had a name picked out, and I told her it is Ruth. I rather expected the puzzled, polite pause that I have been getting when I tell the name (where then I feel it necessary to explain that the name is based on Ruth 1:16--"Where you go, I will go. And where you stay, I will stay." After you've had a hound that likes to run on unplanned excursions, you can appreciate the want of having a dog that would stay!). But then I got this: the foster mom's middle name is Ruth.
As we learned about the foster mom, the choice of names she gave the pups, her college background--it was the same God appointed happiness about finding this home (the two lit crosses near our street, the garden awaiting, the spell of the home and the nestled seclusion, the Bible verses, and I will never forget THE CAPTAIN'S BELL.). So, yeah,
of course her middle name is Ruth.
Peace.
The part I thought was Collie, though, upon further research and checking out her siblings, this dog is a shepherd mix with Newfoundland.
"You're going to need a bigger crate," the foster mom told us.
Perhaps we should have named her Moby!
The other day, I was at the vet's to get some pills for Nella and when I walked in, there was a Newfie dog--enormous--and back legs just trembling from fear at the vet. I smiled and chatted up the owner for a bit. I got to pet the giant, and I smiled to myself because I had a strong suspicion that my girl was part mix of this beastly breed. I showed that owner pictures of Ruth and her sibs, and she agreed wholeheartedly. We are getting a big dog.
Enjoying these images of her at six weeks, the smallest she'll ever be again. The foster mom warned us she'll be much bigger in two weeks.
Noted.
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| she looked so healthy, and her eyes were bright |
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| the tip of her little tail is white, and those paws! |
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| 6 weeks, 11 pounds |
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| Egads! That sweet face! |
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| the honeymoon phase, frequent puppy naps |
A friend recently mentioned, almost as caution, but it was in text, so who can tell? "Puppies are a lot of work."
I just laughed to myself. LAST YEAR was a lot of work.
I'm so looking forward to doing something for us. After a year where it felt like my home and (husband, kids and friends) got put last to handle so many matters, I embrace this next phase. I am so deeply grateful we can get this sweet girl now and enjoy her while my kids are still home.
Two weeks and counting.
Thanks, God!
xoxo
