Eat, Play, Sleep – Repeat

Life with a pup is much like life with a toddler.  (mind you I don’t know this first hand as the Keeper and I have not spawned.  Yet.) 

In case you’re unaware October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. 

According to the ASPCA, "There are nearly 10 million animals entering local shelters across the country each year.  The Adopt a Shelter Dog Month helps focus attention on the pet population problem we face in this country." 

Ten Million Animals a year?!  Madness...moreover, Sad.  (with a capital "S")  

That said, adoptive pet owners all over the world - I salute you!

Both the Keeper and I jumped on the Canine bandwagon in early March and have been hanging on for dear life ever since. 

While perusing Petfinder.com I came across the below pic: 

Really?!  It was just TOO much, how could we resist?

The paragraph under the photo read something like:

6 week old Cairn Terrier/Maltese Mix

Please email Guardian Angels Animal Rescue to begin the application process. 

Like a Mama Bear taking to her cub I immediately knew that I was meant to be this Puppy’s Parent.  One look from the Keeper and he was on board as well. 

With great thought and contemplation, I began fill out the LONG application form.  The first few questions covered the basics. 

Name, Address, Phone Number, Description of Home etc. 

I’d been forewarned by a few of my Pet-owner cronies that there was a good chance the rescue group would want to do an “in home” visit to make sure that our apartment was pet-friendly.  Really?! 

(but when you think about it, there are a lot of crazies out there so it sort of makes sense!) 

After answering the tougher questions and adding our references I hit the “send” button -poof, like magic off our hopes and dreams went flying into cyberspace. 

Tick-Tock

Tick-Tock

Tick-Tock

We waited for what seemed like FOREVER (really only a few days) with bated breath for a response but to no avail. 

Was he gone? 

Were we not good enough? 

Did he go to another family?  

I became obsessed with calling the rescue to make sure that they’d received our application.  A week later, I finally reached "Jenni", (with an I) the rescues "manager." 

Poor Jenni, a stay at home Mother of three under the age of 5 runs Guardian Angel Animal Rescue with little help. 

Once on the phone we were "IN", or so I thought. 
I turned up the charm and tried not to sound too much like a looney tune.  Mind you I’d been harassing poor Jenni for a week or so calling her phone and hanging up like a schoolgirl with a crush never once leaving a message! 

What the heck was wrong with me?  (I’d forgotten that most people have Caller ID so I’m sure that I must have looked like a total wack-ado!) 

Jenni sensed my excitement and was gracious enough to ignore my insane obsessive compulsive behavior. 
She explained that yes, the Rescue had in fact received our application and that since Guardian Angles was practically run as a one man band -she would personally be handling our review going forward.  "I will get back to you within the next few days." said Jenni.  Her tone implied (in the nicest way possible)  that I should shut my trap and stop harassing her if I wanted this dog! (but that could just be my interpretation.)
She also took this opportunity to forewarn me that there were FOUR other couples interested in our pup.  Good Lord!  (but can you blame them? He was so darn cute!) 

Great, more waiting, and to top it off…more angst knowing that so many people were in line for my baby boy!  (yes I said baby boy…I am his ma’ma after all.) 

You’ve got mail!!…a few days later the stork left a message in my Inbox when I received the below:

Hello,

   

    Thank you for your application.  It was pre approved for the puppy.  The baby is up to date with shots, de wormed and vet checked. The adoption fee is $395 which includes the above as well as a referral for low cost spay/neutering.  Please give us a call if you  would like to schedule an appointment/home visit.

Best,

jeni

With a sigh of relief I quickly called the Keeper to report the good news. 

Overjoyed we made the trek across the George Washington Bridge to pick up our little man.   I can’t say it any better than to state the following:

Life has not been the same since.

5 doggie beds, a pair of Kenneth Cole boots, countless socks and one entire three seater couch later our baby boy is quite the chewer.  My once spotless home is no longer my own. 

(That’s the Keeper’s Side of the bed- hehe J )

There’s a new King in our castle and his name is Leroy.

-and frankly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. 

If you’ve got the means to care for and have the time for a loveable furry best friend, please go to Petfinder.com to adopt a pup. 

I promise you won’t regret it! 

~The Keeper’s Wife
  

In Honor of “Cheeky”

June 21st 1999 - October 5th 2010

Doing what he did best - basking in the sun :)

Cheeky and his Mom - Andrea

The world lost Cheeky two days ago while I was putting this post together.  I thought it only fitting that we dedicate it to him. 
Both Cheeky and his Ma’ma Andrea were and are great supporters of PAWS. 

PAWS - Pet Animal Welfare Society
-is an amazing organization, and is in need of all the support that you can give!

PAWS rescues animals from ‘kill shelters’ and finds furever homes for them.  If they can’t find a home for an animal in their care for some reason, he/she lives out the rest of their life in the care of PAWS where they get lots of love, and protection from the world that they came from…

That said, open up your hearts and your wallets people! 
Please send a donation in honor of Cheeky. 

http://www.pawsct.org/how.php

We love you Cheeky - you will be missed!