New Addition

We finally took the plunge.  Yesterday we went to Petsmart for their Adopt-a-Thon weekend, and we came home with a new member of the family: Sir Lancelot.  He is a Shepherd/Bull Terrier mix (although I think he looks a bit like a Basenji in the face, and his mannerisms/bark are sort of like one too...)  We adopted him from a lovely woman in Harrison, MI named Dawn, and her obvious compassion and love of animals actually brought tears to my eyes.  With some foster homes, I have kind of had the impression that they would rather keep the dogs themselves than give them up to a good home, especially if that good home wasn't EXACTLY what they had in mind.  Dawn was very up front and honest, but also flexible and understanding.  I could tell immediately that she wanted what was best for Lance.  When we went to take him home, she gave him a cuddle and a speech about "loving his new people" that actually made me cry.  There are so many wonderful people in the world who are doing great things - if you are looking for a new pet in your family, PLEASE adopt!

Not only did we get to support someone who is doing wonderful things and give a dog a home, we actually got an AMAZING dog.  He is already housebroken and knows basic obedience.  He comes when we call, he doesn't snap at other dogs, and he has a sweet and loving disposition - he cuddles right up next to you no matter where you're at in the room.  He has a clean bill of health (although he does have dermaditic mange, which flares up when he gets stressed - Dawn gave us his medication for it, and it was nice not to have that be a surprise!)

I am COMPLETELY at a loss as to how ANY human could be neglectful or abusive to such a beautiful and loving creature!  He is 8 months old, so he is still in  many ways a puppy (although we don't expect him to get any bigger).  He is playful, and VERY curious about our other furry child in the house: Miz Peanut.

We knew going into this that the divine Miz P is quite a diva - she has never handled other animals in the house very well, although she did manage to live with Rodney's old roommate's rottweiler when she had to.  Every time she catches a glimpse of him she puffs up and begins a horrid moaning sound - which of course, interests him.  When he gets even slightly close to her, she growls and swats at him - and his reaction is a peculiar indignant yodel/bark.  He doesn't seem to understand that she doesn't like him, and he's already been swatted four times.  Dawn told us to let her swat away - that he would eventually learn... so here's hoping that things calm down in the next few days!