Choosing to Adopt…

I’ve always heard that there was a significant and special bond that is shared between a boy and his dog. Apparently, it’s a pretty popular concept. Movies like Old Yeller, Where the Red Fern Grows, Lassie (though that was a TV show before it was a movie) and Homeward Bound depict major male character (typically young boys) and their trusty sidekick…a dog.

I always knew that if I ever had a son, that he would need a dog. Someone that could be his friend, his companion…his trusty sidekick. I think the husband and I both intended on waiting until the little guy was a tiny bit older and could take on some of the responsibility that came with a dog. Changing the water bowl, keeping the food bowl filled up, letting him out for potty breaks…those kind of things. Those “responsibility builders” and little boy chores.

That was our mentality until our little boy became dog crazy; our mentality until he started toting this around with him everywhere:

And I don’t mean that he just totes it around like a security blanket (though that is predominantly what it is). He brings it to the table with him when we eat a meal, insisting on sharing his food with his beloved “puppy dog.” He drags him to the bathroom and sits him beside the bathtub when he gets a bath at night. He takes him outside, he shows him his toys. That dog…that tiny little $10 stuffed animal is his best friend, his companion.

As if the stuffed puppy wasn’t enough torture for this dog crazy mommy, he recently discovered the puppy who lives next door. A black dog (I’m not sure what kind of dog he/she is) that comes out every so many hours for a potty/play break. Him and the little guy have become fast friends. Little Man stands at the sliding glass door in our living room every day and waits for the puppy to come out. “I look [for] puppy dog, mommy!” he’ll exclaim. And then when the dog makes his way outside, I let the little dude go outside, and he stands at the fence and talks to him. He shows him his toys, sticks his hand through the fence to “pat pat [pet]” him, and lets him give him kisses.

After witnessing this for a couple of weeks, the husband and I began the discussion about adding a 4-legged baby to our tiny family. Yesterday, we took the plunge…we paid a visit to the dog shelter. Little Man was in heaven. There were big dogs, small dogs, and cats…lots and lots of cats. Little Man looked around wide-eyed and amazed at the animals. “Wook [look] Mommy! Kitty cat!” and “Oh WOW! Puppy Dog!” escaped his tiny little mouth more than once. They brought out a few dogs for us to look at. And mommy Little Man fell in love.

They had a precious beagle puppy in a cage outside. Unfortunately, he had an adoption pending (if he hadn’t, I’m pretty sure my beagle fond husband would have brought him home with us). And they brought out an already owned German Shepherd/Lab mix with the sweetest disposition who was there to be fixed.

I’m such a sap. I seriously could have brought every one of those dogs home with me. I’m such a dog person. If I ever own acres and acres and acres of land, I’m pretty sure that I’ll have dozens of dogs running around. Because I am a puppy lover like that.

And so the journey to find the perfect family dog has begun. Dogs on our “possibility list?”

Yellow or Chocolate Lab

Golden Retriever

German Shepherd

Beagle
(doesn’t this absolutely melt your heart?!)

Of course, we aren’t ruling out anything (except for Pit Bulls…no offense to anyone who has one. Just not for us). We are extremely excited. Little Man was highly upset with us when we made him leave the animal shelter on Tuesday. He wanted to stay and play. I’ve tried telling him that we’re going to get him a puppy, but he doesn’t quite seem to get it just yet. I’m sure that realization won’t hit until we actually bring a dog home. As usual, I’ll be keeping you guys updated on whatever we decide…and whoever decides to join our family.

We’re going to wait and find a “mutual” dog…one that we choose and who chooses us. It’s exciting. I can’t wait to have a big fluffy companion to snuggle up with for Little Man to have to play with. Boys and their dogs. Nothing like it, right?

Do you guys have pets? What kind? Are you a cat or a dog person?