A New Addition

So, Hubby and I have talked about it, on and off, for a few years now. Occasionally, the kids would bring up the idea but we always demurred. 

Then COVID happened, and folks we know decided to add additions to their families. Initially, Hubby and I were adamant that it would be a bad idea (for us). But COVID persists.. and the kids are so isolated so much of the time... so we began to entertain the idea. We researched and debated, hemmed and hawed. Perhaps we've got a touch of Stockholm syndrome, but, we got a puppy! 

We actually did a lot of research and reading up on puppies, narrowing down the breed, size and energy level we wanted. Then, we quested to find a responsible breeder, to make sure we'd get a healthy and happy pup (and not support puppy mills) and it needed to be in reasonable driving distance. And the pups should be ready to come home - but not be too, too old - in the end of December. A tall order! It took some looking but, eventually, we found one! 

The pups were born in late October, and shortly after that, a picture of the litter was posted on the kennel's website. So tantalizing! So cute!

A couple weeks later, they posted some updated pictures and further details. There were three boys and two girls. For various reasons, Hubby and I decided a girl pup would be better for us. So, we called the kennel and got our name on the list to meet the pups. We were the first to ask about the girls so, if we were available for the first appointment slot, we would get our pick of the two. That sounded good to us! Sign us up.

Then, we waited nearly a full month before adoption day could happen. Poor Moon felt like the waiting was so long, he was certain the pup would be big and full grown by the time it came to pick her up. (happily, that was not the case).

Finally, the day to adopt arrived! We drove out to meet the girl pups and see which one would be a better fit for us. When we got there, 'cuz, COVID, they put the pups out in an outside corral so we could hang out with them for a while and get to know them a little. 

Funny, going into it, I was trying to stay open minded.. while I definitely preferred the coloring of the pup with the darker patches on her body, I wasn't going to pass up the whiter one if she seemed a better fit. When we got there and were meeting the pups, the pup with the patches came over and was curious about us; let us pick her up and, overall, seemed ok to see us. The little white one? She zipped away to the other side of the corral and never let any of us actually pick her up. So, it was decided, the friendliest one (which happened to be the cutest one) was coming home with us!

While the grown ups were finalizing details, the kids got to play with the puppy in the (warmer) car. 

Lots of loving going on! Then, we headed home. She actually travelled pretty well. The drive was a little over an hour and, after a little fussing, she ended up sleeping most of the way home. 

Townshend was concerned that she is too sleepy a dog and won't be any fun, but (I think) we've convinced him that she'll perk up as she gets more used to us all and grows up a little more. Once she settled in a little, she started having more fun (in between naps). 

Such a cutie!! 

So, everyone.. meet our newest addition: Calypso