New Beginnings

I know it's only been a month since our dog passed, but then another unexpected medical issue found our house dog free for the first time in many years.  I tried to accept it, in fact I was looking forward to not having to vacuum thrice daily, not having to remind someone to feed/water/run/brush an animal, not having to spend a fortune on food, meds and just enjoying my kids without a slobbering four-legged one also vying for my lap.  However, every time the door bell rang, my ears would tingle in anticipation for that happy bark of inquiry....but silence was all the doorbell introduced.  This was sad.
My kids have become very chummy with all the neighbourhood dogs, so I thought they had their fill of affection without the responsibility.

Nope.

Daily I would be approached by my two oldest, at different times, insisting that waiting a year was ruining vital time they could have PLAYING with a dog.  I am sure they planned the ambush when I was at my weakest, usually when I'm reading, or writing, and my hand instinctively goes for the floor awaiting a reassuring lick that my pal was right where she should be....my kids had me pegged.
I had already called a local breeder and was put on a waiting list for the next litter of pups.  It will be about a year, but no guarantee's.  Now I was on a mission to find a dog suitable, playful, and most importantly a mutt.  No more purebreds, at least not for a while.  I just wanted a dog that we can have around for a very long long time, who will watch with me as my kids grow and leave the nest.  Who will not have to be watched what he eats.  Who will not have to hold up to any standard but mine.
It took a little digging, a trip to the Humane Society, and calls to other local shelters.  There were a few, older dogs, but most had no idea of their background.

Then, I saw an ad and my husband placed the call.  A litter of seven, not too far away, parents on site.

Good, good and good.

The next day after Worship we headed to the nearby town.

The owner was just getting back from walking the parents when we arrived.  They didn't even bark.  They both wore faces of elation that PEOPLE were here!!  I soon was being licked, sniffed and rubbed up against by the mom and dad.  Yep.  I wanted to take them home immediately.  However, owner wasn't giving away his own dogs, but soon I was surrounded by 7 very different looking puppies in his living room.  As hubby and him talked, I fought through dad and mom and started man-handling the pups.  Picking each one up, seeing how they were with their mouths, laying on their backs, having their necks pinched and all that.  Most were pretty laid back, there was a female that was the colour of butterscotch with blue eyes that I was almost sold on.  And then I picked up the multi-coloured one.  He laid in my arms, on his back, tail just going like his life depended on it.  He didn't struggle.  He licked my fingers when I poked and prodded him....so many qualities that made my heart sing.

We took him outside to see how he'd react to the kids, and his stout little legs took him as fast to them as their stout little legs brought them to him.  Love at first sight.

He was a dream in the van.

We were able to do a few errands while he happily cuddled first in ones boy's lap and then another.

We let him out onto grass at one stop, and he showed his appreciation by peeing.  Smart little guy.

 Before we got home, all my boys came up with the name Ezekiel, Zeke for short.  Heidi dubbed him Zekie, because she's awesome like that.

I think he likes it.

Welcome to the family Zeke.

We love you already.