You might know that we had a great dane named Schrute for two years before we brought Fitzy home. We re-homed him to a GREAT couple who loved him more than we did – if that was possible.
Fitzy never really cared about having a dog but Enoch has been asking since he could talk – I think. Enoch talks to the animals. They LOVE him and he LOVES them. He has been seriously asking for a dog for the last 2 years. And I’ve said – absolutely no. I do not want an animal in my house again. I do not want to lose the freedom of going where we want when we want. I do not want drool. I do not want dog hair. I do not want to take them outside in the rain and snow.
Some of our friends – I won’t name names – like to look on PETFINDER for animals. Just because. And one night I found myself looking – just because. And Enoch kept asking. Not nagging. But saying – I wish we could have a dog. I can’t stand all these commercials on TV cus they have dogs in them and it makes me so sad. A dog would be my very best friend.
The last time he asked – I said – it’s not a hard no anymore. He cried – for about 20 minutes. Sobbed and sobbed. He was just so happy there was a possibility that he might get a dog.
So we looked on PETFINDER and found George – a family friendly german shepard in Waverly. He talked about him for a whole day – about the things they would do together. The places they would explore. I e-mailed the shelter and they said – he’s been placed.
When I told E in the morning – I was prepared for a full-blown breakdown. But instead he said – oh mom. That makes me sad – but I’m so happy George went home to a good family. There are lots of other dogs out there!!
THIS KID. This kid is blowing me away with his maturity and growth. So we looked again and found a picture of Daniel and Waffles. Daniel looked SO VERY SAD and lonely. We emailed the animal sanctuary and they said they were both available! Daniel was 1 – shy and such a gentleman. Waffles was a great family dog and 3. We set up a meeting Sunday May 2nd to see them. We met Daniel first and he was a little bit afraid of us – but SO sweet with such good manners. Waffles was also sweet and happy to be with people. The boys had pretty much had their hearts set on Daniel from the beginning – BUT we had an overnight trip planned for the next weekend – so we couldn’t pick him up till Mother’s Day. We spent the week getting all the things we needed and preparing our house for a dog.
We don’t know what kind of dog he is. His birthday is April 25th, 2020 – so they told us. He shares a name with me and almost a birthday with Fitzy.
When we brought him home – he was scared to come in the house. Jared and I were distracted with bringing stuff in the house and didn’t realize what was happening. The next thing we knew – he slipped out of his harness and ran away!! Thankfully he ran down behind the neighbor’s house and Jared was able to call to him and grab him. Many tears (from all of us) and a bloody lip later (on Fitzy’s part from falling in pursuit) – I carried him into the house.
The boys spent that week waiting talking about how they can make Daniel feel loved and at home. They understand that he may have had a rough history. He was a stray in Texas and was picked up and transported to PA. It seems like maybe he wasn’t treated the best and is easily scared. BUT he is gentle and cuddly. He is already listening well and exploring the house. They are SO excited to have a dog that they can give a happy home and teach him love and trust.
It’s been a month since we’ve had Daniel. He must have had a home in Texas – because he goes to the door to go to the bathroom. He is allowed on one couch and has followed those rules pretty well. He likes to nip when he plays – but when we tell him no and re-direct him – he does well. He almost always goes right to his crate for the night. He almost always goes to his crate when we leave the house without a problem. He explores with us. He can swim. I take him on a walk almost every morning. He is doing pretty well with a leash. He likes to lunge at birds and squirrels and would love to say hi to every person and dog we meet. He knows SIT and DOWN and we’re working on shake. We are looking at ALL the fencing options for the yard so the boys can run and play with him and he can get exercise.
I’m still not sure saying YES was the greatest thing. Just last night someone asked me – how do you like it!? I said – meh. I don’t love it.
The bottom line is this. I am about giving experience gifts instead of MORE stuff. Daniel is their Christmas present this year. And – he really is adjusting SO well with our family and it’s exciting to see the boys love him and explore with him!!
These photos are from that first afternoon we brought him home!!
SERIOUSLY – SO HANDSOME!!
