7.16.2009

QT

I have a few bad habits. I don't practice the art of admitting to them very often. But, sometimes, I am exposed; mostly because the habit results in the addition of another animal to our household. Case in point:

This is Cutie. She is a 3 year old Boston Terrier. I found her on Craigslist. (Coincidentally, I also found Mia on Craigslist.) Why would I be looking on Craigslist for anything? Especially another dog? Well, because I have some weaknesses. One of them is checking the pet listings on Craigslist daily. Considering how many pets I've come across, I actually think of myself as incredibly disciplined seeing as we've only added one dog and not hundreds. Or rabbits. Or hedgehogs. Or pot bellied pigs.

Plus, Allen and I decided, after some long discussions, we always want a girl dog around. Mia is incredible. But, she's an old lady now. And, she's got a very disturbing growth that has tripled in size in the last 2 months. She also has a heart condition. Not that we're replacing her. But, it's not that often that an already kid-friendly and completely trained pure bred (of your chosen breed) dog is available. So, when something good comes along, you consider it.

I showed her to Allen and he said I could "inquire". I was impressed and did not let a minute pass lest he might change his mind. I learned this upon my inquiry: The family purchased her from Oklahoma and raised her from a pup. They have 2 year old and 2 month old sons at home. She is fully house trained, crate trained, leash trained, quiet, loyal, and sweet. All the things we love about Bostons. Why were they getting rid of such a great dog? They are losing their home and have to move into an apartment that does not accept pets. I returned with a full report to Allen. We pondered the situation over night.

The next day, we called and told the family we would love to have Cutie if they would let us. They said they would be happy for her to live at our place. So, we made an FHE out of the deal and drove an hour to go meet her. The young family was obviously heart broken. The mom of the family was near tears the whole time. They asked for permission to call and check in on her. Of course, we said yes.

She has been a pleasure since day one. She has had no accidents, checks on the kids regularly, sits with us, watches us, runs in the sprinklers and is very wiggly. She is very smart and is quickly adapting to our routine. Lexi is enthralled with every thing Cutie does and Cutie is very, very patient. She likes the kids more than Mia does (gasp!). Did we need another dog? No. But, are we very happy with this addition? Absolutely.

Welome to the family, Cutie!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

So how does Mia like Cutie? Do they get along well?

twinzmama said...

How fun!! What does Davis think about having a "twin"? She certainly lives up to her name!! Oh and I never asked you-are you bringing the dogs when you come visit or do you get to leave them home?

marti said...

she's so pretty! i'm excited for you. i completely agree with you; when you find a dog that is already potty, kid, leash and crate trained, it's hard to pass that up. plus, i love that curly little tongue! it's not whether or not YOU needed Cutie, it's whether or not she needed you. way to save her!

Anonymous said...

go figure....out of the hundreds of dog and cats I have adopted/rescued, none of them can live up to Cutie...well maybe Justin did..but all the others puked (Lana)or p'd or pooped in the house (Tank) or chewed(Radar - food off of counters) or bit(Sierra) or ran away - you name they did it! I am happy for your family that you have a truly nice dog...otherwise you would never hear the end of it from "you know who" :-)
m

Riddlez said...

So far, everyone loves Cutie. Mia is a little distant but accepting enough. Davis and Cutie have started playing a bit, but Davis loves Mia and they are still pretty tight. Plus, Cutie wants to be with us and the kids all of the time and the others are happy to be alone. Cutie has already settled into "farm" life and goes out every morning to feed with Allen. She loves to run on the lawn (she was tentative at first) and is happy outside when we're out there. All in all, it's working out good for now. (p.s. Mia's growth is cancer but was easily removed and doesn't seem to have spread)

Unknown said...

She is certainly a "cutie"! It sounds like she's fitting in perfectly. Can't wait to meet her!

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What started as a way to communicate with far away friends and family has become a place for this horse trainer/HR manager turned stay at home mom of 3 girls to hold on to a bit of her own identity. It's my take on the ins and outs, the ups and downs, the thoughts and feelings, the mistakes and triumphs of this family as we bumble our way to eternity.