And the man I have lived with for 45 years who didn’t want any more animals in the “Schoen Zoo” turned to me and simply said – “I miss a dog, too.” See my blog: Is It Time For a Baby? at www.LorettaSchoen.com
Roger Caras wisely said “If you don’t own a dog, at least one, there may not necessarily be anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong in your life”.
In that moment we both knew that his words spoke to what our hearts were feeling.
A search began for a dog that would be a good fit both for us and the dog. There was no question it would be a female dachshund. But would it be a rescue or a puppy?
I believe that God helped answer that question when on my way to do my weekly shopping a lady four houses down from us was outside walking the cutest little miniature dachshund. I mean, if you were an artist commissioned to paint a portrait of a dachshund – this is what he would paint. I slammed on the breaks, rolled down the window and asked her enough questions to make her think I was a prosecuting attorney. Six month old Dexter had been her husband’s birthday gift to her from a breeder in north central Florida. Why hadn’t I seen him before now? When I reached out to the breeder she said she had just had a litter of 5 males and one female and would be ready for their forever home on Father’s Day. Could God have sent us a better sign? We drove up when the litter was 3 weeks old and got to hold our baby and have been swooning in love ever since. Do you know how embarrassing it is for your 70 year old husband to be whipping out his phone and showing pictures of “the baby we are expecting?”
However, the questioned remained: Did we still have what it takes to raise a puppy?
As we waited for her to join us, we began extensive preparation for her arrival. It reminded me of when we were preparing for our daughter’s birth some 40 years ago. There was the doggie layette to purchase: Crate, crate bed, dog bed, water and food bowls, collar, leash, bed, dog carrier and toys – lots of toys. There were so many choices and much of what is on the market is NOT made in the USA! Ugh! Then there was what food to buy, what veterinarian to use, what shots are needed and when. It’s amazing the stuff you need to remember that you forgot between babies. And like birthing babies, it’s important to take care of one self and get in shape because suddenly you realize you have someone that is going to depend on and need you.
So we went into training. We started watching YouTube Videos such as Zak George’s Training Revolution and researching products, foods, and veterinarians – great brain exercises. We stepped up our physical training and talked with all those wonderful neighbors who already have dogs and are so willing to share their expertise. And we loved all of it.
Oh, we are aware of the land mines, the accidental piddles & poops, the midnight cries, the teething marks on the furniture, not to mention the plethora of hair that will adorn our home. We know that all she has to throw us may temporarily throw us for a loop, but it will be balanced with the laughter, the kisses, the fun, and the love we have been missing. Besides, we are retired folk and should a bad night come about, it means we take a slow day to recoup and lick our wounds. We are excited to share our life with this new bundle of joy. I think we have what it takes. After all, this isn’t our first and while we are older, might take us a little longer and hurt a little bit more, it is so worthwhile.
Perhaps Charles M Schulz said it best when he said “Happiness is a warm puppy.”
May I present to you – Liesl Schoen
Thank you for reading my post. If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it. Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!
Are you or a friend going through medical mayhem? If so, I like to share with you some insights found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts. To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com
Blessings for Health & Wellness
Congratulations!
June 26, 2020 at 1:01 pmShe is beautiful!
When can I doggie sit???💕
Any time! You would love her, Linda. She’s really an easy pup.
June 26, 2020 at 1:10 pm