Newest Pretty Baby

I'll bet you didn't even know we were expecting! Here is our newest pretty baby. She came with the name Jessie, but we might change it to Penny, or Rose, or Little Lady, depending on who wins. She's a German Shepherd mix. She and her brother and her mom were surrendered to a kill shelter in Illinois, and the outstanding group Magnificent Mutts rescued them. Her brother went home yesterday to live with a 9 year old boy and his family, and she came home to us today. Hooray for happy tales (tails?)!

If you're nearby and you're looking for a new dog, I can't recommend Magnificent Mutts (out of Hillside, IL) enough. They've been wonderful to work with.


The girls are madly in love.  They've been very good with her - keeping an eye on her in the house, giving her treats, playing with her, and taking her for walks  They're going to be excellent dog-moms someday.

When Max died, I felt like our house lost its soul. It was so strange to come back to an empty, quiet house. Aside from when I lived in the dorms, this has been the longest I've ever lived without a pet. We've missed Max so much, and I have missed the security of having a dog more than I ever thought I would. I'll happily trade clean floors for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that someone with keen hearing and sharp teeth is looking out for us. Of course, she won't be much of a home security system for a few months.  I think she'll be between 50 and 60 pounds when she's grown (heh, that's what they told us about Max, too, and she topped out at 90!).

So many people have cautioned me that we can't replace Max, and I know that, I really do. But there are so many great things about Shepherds, and so many great things about mutts, I can't imagine having any other kind of dog. My last three cars have all been Hondas. I tend to stick with what works, once I find it.  It's honestly a coincidence that she looks so much like Max.  I had already agreed to her before I saw a picture, based on the description of her from the lady with the rescue organization.

She asserted her individuality tonight when I gave her a pill (I think it's a dewormer - it gave her terrible gas!) in peanut butter, and she refused to take it.  It was as if she was telling me, "I'm a new dog, Mom, and your old tricks won't necessarily fly."  Tomorrow we'll try cheese.

I know that Max would be glad that we're welcoming a new dog into our family - particularly because she doesn't have to put up with her.  Max was never much of a dog-lover.  She greatly preferred the company of people.

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She's been sleeping on my legs as I've written this post.  It would be very cozy if she would quit farting.

She is not a replacement, but she's a very welcome addition.  Our house feels like home again.