What Were We Thinking??

Or better yet, WHAT happened to our brains over the past 72 hours?? Where did they go? If you find them, please send them back to us.....PRONTO!

How did we go from "downsizing" and "cleaning out" to having a new dog? Brain justification of our new rule that says that for every one thing that comes in to the house, one thing must be donated or trashed is so, so sly! We figured since we have removed over 8 large garbage bags of "stuff" that one little bitty dog wouldn't be close to the amount we have removed. Another section of the brain says that since we have two already, what's the harm of a third??

Oh, what have we done? What happened to the ease of being able to take our TWO dogs to the beach, or the cabin, or...anywhere? What happened to the comfort, peace and tranquility of our family the way it was? What happened to the inner peace of knowing that we each could give an animal our undivided attention and there were just enough laps to go around for "family lovins'" time each evening?

As we drove home from the Pet store yesterday, Shar started to say our infamous words "no more animals", and I said "don't even say that because we are pitifully incapable of even following those words - we just have to admit that we are animal lovers and they will always be in our lives". She nodded in agreement.

What have we done??? Did we make the right decision? Are we selfish? Is this what is best for our other kids?......I don't know. What I DO know is that we saved a life from certain death. Buyer's remorse?? Kinda. But then we look into those sad brown eyes and know that at least he has a chance at life and hopefully, happiness.

"If only we had a bunch of acreage", we've thought almost daily for most of our adult lives. We would have a no-kill animal sanctuary, where we would do our best to save as many animals from being euthanized as possible. All they want is security and love. That's all WE really want, isn't it? Funny how love works!

Duncan...Day 1

Our new little addition is settling in to his new digs, siblings and pack leaders. More importantly, Digby and Prinnie are adapting really well to another seeker of our attention. Last night's bed time was a little rough at the start because we kenneled Duncan to make sure that he wouldn't get into trouble. He didn't like that, and we think he was allowed to sleep with whomever his former family was. Once he got the message that we were all snuggled into bed, Digby and Prinnie included, he was ok.

This morning, he wanted to get up on Duncan-time, which we quickly responded with a "quiet" command. But I must say, it was absolutely adorable watching all 3 dogs tear out of the bedroom, down the hall, down the stairs and right out the back door all at once. They each ran to a pee spot, did their business and rushed back in all in a pack demanding breakfast. Duncan still needs to learn "park it" and "stay", but he's getting it slowly.

Later, he and Digby played chase for a minute, and then Prinnie chimed in with her own version of "chase", which entails barking her little head off, while trying to rustle her prey to the ground. This was exactly what she would do to "chase the kitty", so we fed right in to her passion and told her to "chase the doggie". She obliged!

We just ordered pizza for dinner tonight, and our routine is typically to have the dogs sit, stay and wait when the door bell rings. I can't say it always works, but surprisingly, Duncan tried to figure it out. The only problem we have found is that he doesn't like treats. We've tried about 6 different kinds, and he takes them, and immediately drops them for his brother or sister to scarf up. No wonder he's so skinny! Maybe I should take some lessons!!!

All in all, a good day. AS I said in the beginning, the most important thing is that Prinnie and Digby are happy and that the new addition doesn't squelch their personalities.

Meet Duncan

Well, SHE DID IT AGAIN!!!!!!! She found her ring yesterday, and brought home a new family member today!!!!!

We welcome in our newest (and very unexpected) member of our family; 3 1/2 year old terrier mix, Duncan. How he came to us is nothing short of history repeating itself! Shar had gone to the local animal shelter to get Digby and Prinnie their licenses for 2009. While there (and FAR out of my reach, since I was innocently at work), she wandered in to the puppy trailer, kitty trailer and big dog kennels.

For those of you who don't know, we lived in Tucson for 6 years prior to settling in California. While there, we "saved" an unknown number of dogs from their certain death and found most of them homes over time. We did, however, end up with a few of our own, which prompted a sincere heart-to-heart discussion about how Shar needed to be banned from the shelter, and eventually the ban grew to include the road that led to the shelter.

Anyhow, back to Duncan...she saw a pup that she swore was a miniature version of our dear Dugan. Of course, she called me and told me about the little dog, and we both agreed that although it would be wonderful to have a dog that was similar to our Dugan, no one could ever replace her. After about 30 minutes, my curiosity got the best of me, and I went on to the shelter's web site to see this little one. I wasn't sure if I found her or not, but I did see a dog that could be her, except this one was a boy. Cute and scruffy, but what caught my eye was that this dog had been at the shelter the limited amount of days and would most likely be "put down" within the next day. Neither of us could stand the thought of that.

When I came home from work, we checked the web site again. He was still there. So Shar headed back to the shelter with Prinnie, Digby and a neighbor to visit the little guy and see how the three would interact. He was friendly, curious and sweet. Prinnie and Digby were indifferent once they got past the initial sniff the butt tests. Shar put a deposit on him and came home. Within a few hours, an Animal Control Officer came to the house to do a "home visit" to make sure that if the little guy were to be adopted, he would be going to a good home with a secure, fenced yard. Seconds later, the officer was gone. We had passed.

This morning, I headed to work, and Shar headed back to the shelter. About 2 hours later, she was on her way home with a stinky little sweetheart that we named Duncan. He is actually really cute and mommy's little shadow! Prinnie and Digby were very territorial at first (to be expected) so their introductions were outside for a while. We were determined to stick with our routine, allowing Digby and Prinnie as much consistency as possible. Shar bribed them all with treats, which was a winner in getting them all to sit inches from one another within seconds.

Duncan knows some basic commands, but we will certainly be heading back to PetsMart to "school". He is timid tonight, and has gotten the message that he won't be the pack leader. He seems ok with that.

Duncan had his first vet appointment late this afternoon, and other than a little cold, he appears to be in perfect health. Now that he has had all his shots, he can be registered. BY MAIL!!!!!!! Shar has successfully managed to be banned from all California shelters. Oh, the funny part?? This dog doesn't look a bit like our Dugan!

Kids and Clouds

Today was a BEAUTIFUL day; bright with sunshine, big puffy clouds and two spunky babies wanting to play outside.

Mommy played ball with Prinnie and Digby, Prinnie looked for her spaceships, and the two fur babies played "chase" while we mowed the lawn, tidied up the palm trees and swept off the patio.

Here are some pictures that were just too cute not to post....