So, this morning, we were knocking around the house, having eaten a metric ton of pink pancakes (heart-shaped, naturally), and trying to think of something fun to do. It was supposed to be cold and rainy and crappy, but instead it was not too cold and beautifully sunny.
Our usual Saturday errands did not need running, it was a bit too cold for the kids to play outside or at the park yet, and to early for the mall or the Children's Museum. Travis suggested we visit the Richmond SPCA. Hadn't been there for a while, it's a nice facility, and it would be fun for the kids to see the cats and dogs. Right.
I feel pretty strongly about not supporting puppy mills or unscrupulous breeders, and about finding homes for the millions of wonderful dogs and cats that are already in the world, so I have always gotten my pets from a shelter or adoption agency. We've obtained one of our cats and our previous dog from the Richmond SPCA, and I've been very pleased with what they do there. Of course, actually getting another dog was not necessarily on our list of things to accomplish today, but then, we are such undeniable suckers that we almost never plan to get another dog or cat, they just end up coming home with us.
Meet our new family member.....
We don't have a good name for him, yet, but he is definitely fitting in at our house. There was no way we could leave him at the shelter...he's the perfect size, has beautiful, kind eyes, seems to really enjoy the little kids, and is calm and quiet (so far).
He has a sad story, though, and it's so heartbreaking that I knew we couldn't leave him. You see those dark markings on his foreleg? That is one of four brands on his body. He is marked "L-B" on both sides, on one hindquarter and on the shoulder. That's bad enough, but what's worse is his ears. See his ear in the picture? That odd shape at the front is because he had been wearing an ear tag, and someone ripped it out. The other ear is split just about halfway up, but this ear is missing about a 3/4" wide chunk of flesh.
I swear, I hope karma comes and bitch-slaps the hell out of someone for doing this to this beautiful and sweet dog.
He is great with our little ones, and so happy to play with them! Noah is especially excited!
After a 'cat test', we went home for lunch, got Quinn, and then went to Petsmart for a collar and lead. Then, back to the SPCA for a 'dog meeting'.
That went extremely well.
"Can we go home now?"
Wren and Noah were ready.
At home, we let everyone play outside for a while. All parties thoroughly enjoyed that.
Doing what beagles do best!
Quinn showed him the neighborhood, and especially how to hang out and bark at the neighbor dogs.
I think he enjoyed it, and I think he likes his new home.
We're thinking the name 'Max' seems to suit him.
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The kids are in bed now, and Quinn and Max are hanging out in the house. I don't think Max has ever been in a house before, and hopefully he is not peeing on everything we have. So far, so good. We're probably going to gate them in the kitchen for the night, just to be on the safe side.
Oh yeah....I also got three dozen roses from my wonderful husband.
I am so lucky.
Today has really been a fantastic day. I am so blessed. I know we did a good thing today, adopting Max. We can give him a great home and lots of love and companionship, and he won't ever have to worry about hunting again.
I just feel really, really happy. Now for some hazelnut gelato and dark chocolate!
