Life as a Leach

This dog is SO loved by our family!  And I think the feeling is mutual...

Dear Chloe, We've had you for two weeks now, and you have quickly stolen all of our hearts!  You're so much more than a dog to us, Chloe.  You see, you probably don't realize it Chloe, but you are a huge symbol of normalcy for our family.  You symbolize health, less-frequent hospitalizations, and no more nursing!!  When our sweet Becky girl died right after Abby was born, Caleb was devastated.  He wanted another dog right away, but we just couldn't handle it at the time.  I promised him that we would get another dog when Abby was doing better.  So he was the one who commented on how having you now means that Abby is officially better!   Since we first met you two weeks ago, we have enjoyed getting to know you.  We see how much you love being petted and giggle when we hear that thump-thump-thump against the floor.  We're still getting used to a boxer with a tail!  It makes us smile to see how much you enjoy chewing on your antler...

"And thank you, Jesus, for Chloe, and for her foster mom who took such good care of her before we got her."   ~Caleb's prayer last night

A doggie girl, that is!   Meet Chloe! Chloe is a 4 year old Boxer who we adopted from Adopt a Boxer Rescue.  (There are lots of dogs who need love, if you are interested!)  She was an owner surrender, supposedly because of allergies, but they had 4 other dogs of various breeds....so, we're not really sure what that was about.  We do know she was tied to a tree all day and crated at night.  She doesn't know how to play with toys and seems to be craving love!  Her given name was Cleo, but the foster mom didn't think she looked like a Cleo and called her Chloe.  We agreed that Chloe was a good name for her! I got an email from the rescue coordinator on Friday saying she thought she had a great dog for us.  We traveled a few hours to Western Maryland to meet this little girl that was described as a "laid back Boxer."  If you know anything about Boxers, you know that "laid back" is not usually a term used to describe them! ...

We are officially approved to get a boxer from Adopt a Boxer Rescue!   I spoke to one of the head volunteers on Sunday.  Because we're going to be in Baltimore for the summer, we both agreed that it would be best for all involved--especially the poor, confused doggie!--if we waited until after we got back in August to get a dog. That being said, it is difficult to find a dog that is known to be good with small children.  Most come from difficult circumstances and haven't been with kids before, so it's impossible to know.  They won't place a dog in our house that they are unsure of, because Abby is too little.  So....we left it with the idea that if they find the absolute perfect dog for us that is gentle and wonderful with children, as well as fitting our other requests, then they will give us a call.  Otherwise, we are going to wait until August. In the meantime, check out this sweet girl named Grace.  :)

We miss Becky.  It's been two years since she died, and I still miss her terribly.  I miss the way she used to nudge her head into my hands to be petted, or the way she rolled on her back with her paws in the air to get attention.  I miss how she used to take all of the covers when she slept on our bed.  I miss how she'd lie underneath Caleb's crib, guarding him.  I miss her hysterical potty dance, or the way that she "talked back" to us when we told her no. I miss having a dog. A few weeks ago, we began the application process for Adopt a Boxer Rescue.   It's a wonderful organization that my family has used multiple times, and my parents and sister both volunteer for them.  We have completed the paperwork and they have done the vet and character references.  A volunteer came on Monday to do a home visit and make sure that our house is safe for a dog.  Everything seemed to go well!  We're waiting on the official approval, but ho...