Bringing a new life into our lives

But that fine fellow from my previous post was adopted out from under our noses before we even had a chance to see him and the realization that if we were going to get a companion befitting our very specific profile dawned – we do have cash on hand if luck forfend, anything should happen, but we could also be looking for a very long time otherwise should we keep waiting for the perfect time.  In fact, we could well just be waiting into next year and frankly, my stress levels are through the frakking roof.  We both, scientifically speaking, do much better with dogs in our lives.  [Please don’t ask for my datasets, they’re not currently organized.]

So we went to meet someone on Saturday, our game plan set: we’d meet him and regroup to discuss. We were not bringing anyone home on Saturday.

Except …..

…..

…..

I did leave behind a fat check for a non-profit breed rescue that’s been caring for this adult fella for the past year so that we can pick him up next week.

Technically speaking, we didn’t break the rules.

We’re both thrilled to bits!  He’s awfully sweet, quiet as anything so far, inside and out, just a lovebug from the get-go and loves attention but isn’t pushy about it.  If you stop petting him, he’ll wait with hope in his eyes but he won’t shove you about for more even if he’s big enough to.  He does gentle nose bumps.  I sat on the floor to examine him, head to toe, and he let me do it without protest even though I was a complete stranger picking up his paws, checking his ears, probing his ribs.

I’m grateful to the rescue for their work in keeping him safe and healthy and can’t wait to bring him home next week.

So far, the cost has been $250 for his release, and he’ll come to us with a collar, microchipped, current on his vaccines and preventative medications, neutered, and a full medical history.  We will need to buy:

1.  A bed,

2.  2 leashes (he doesn’t chew but I always keep a backup and he’s still learning leash manners so we may use 2 in tandem),

3.  a secondary collar for training,

4. food,

5. A car hammock (PiC’s decided he’s happy w/that instead of a new car for now)

6. food and water bowls

7. Shampoo

And schedule:

1. Vet appt

2. Licensing

3. Grooming (1st visit will be necessary, I’ll do all his grooming thereafter)

We’ll be getting an unused crate from family and I already have the Furminator which is a must for this guy’s coat.  We priced out the list above and I’m aiming to keep it below $100 for the purchases since we also have to pay for licensing and the vet.  And then!  The puppy fund for the dog begins in earnest. I have a ton of budgeting to manage, these days.  But having a dog to hug at the end of the day, every day?   *happy sigh*