Over the weekend a career military man, Chris and his wife and daughter came to adopt a puppy. Chris was specifically interested in a male puppy, in an attempt to lessen the gender gap, he's a man in a family of women, his wife, 5 daughters, a granddaughter, and a female dog named Kelsey.
My boyfriend David has had his eye on one of the 2 boys, Monte, but we discussed it and decided we would be more than comfortable, even proud if our pup could enrich the life of military family :)
We must have talked about it in front of Kael, unaware, as is so often, of just how much "little ears" hear and understand.
Because of my name choice, Hayden, (yep, after Hayden Fry, I'm a Hawkeye through and through) the man thought the pup he'd been looking at was a boy. I had to put a wrench in the works and let him know that Hayden was a SHE.
They spent some time playing with the boys but Chris' eyes kept wandering back to Hayden. The back and forth between father and daughter and husband and wife was so sweet and sincere, each wanting to please the other I was only more convinced we'd be completely happy with whomever they chose. In the end, Hayden was the lucky one, the chosen one of the day, most unfortunately for Kael, as she was the pup he himself had chosen to keep, his very most favorite, puppy of all.
I could see the hurt in Kael's eyes as he quickly left the room retreating to our front living room, away from the rest of us.
I excused myself "to go get the paperwork" as David continued talking with the family. I hugged Kael and asked him if he was alright. I told him I understood that it hurt and asked if he'd be OK letting Hayden go.
He pulled away, looked me straight in the eyes and said "Mommy it's OK, he's a soldier." Nothing more was said, just a little man looking at his mother and reassuring her.
I had to turn away as tears streamed down my cheeks. I was so proud and at the same time so sorry that my endeavor was causing his little heart so much pain. I dried my eyes and went back into the room where they were all waiting, Kael followed.
There must have been some remnant of sorrow on our faces, the wife asked if everything was OK. I told her it was, and asked Kael to tell them what he had said. He couldn't but he did ask me to tell them, when I did, there wasn't a dry eye in the place, at least us girls and the rest were visibly moved including the 6'5" 250 lbs Navy man, Chris.
If just one soldier can know they are appreciated and that their sacrifice is admired, our small sacrifice of tears and time, is more than worth it.
I am proud of my son, and his acknowledgment of others sacrifice.
God Bless America.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
ad I posted on Craigslist
to love a puppy
Date: 2010-03-03, 12:18PMI'm the foster mom to 14 8 1/2 week old rescue puppies, yep 14, all from the same mom, all from the same litter :)
They are shepherd mix, mixed breed puppies, hienz 57, we think boxer, but your guess is probably as good as mine...my guess is they will be medium sized dogs.
They need to find their forever homes. If you are looking for a super cool puppy, you can't go wrong with these guys :)
They are available through Westside German Shepherd Rescue, and all applications etc will be taken care of by Westside. www.sheprescue.org
You can visit my blog at
jennafurmoore.blogspot.com
for pictures and information
A little about them, other than that they're soooo freaking cute you wanna pass-out!!
1) already spayed or neutered and recovered from micro-surgery
2) already had a vet visit
3) already micro-chipped
4) already had first set of shots
5) already been dewormed
6) already socialized with kids (my 5 year old son had a puppy party at his preschool)
7) been hand raised since birth including supplemental bottle feeding (with the help of mommy until she was adopted last week)
8) have been around adult dogs other than the mother
9) accustomed to household sounds: vacuum, TV, dishwasher, laundry, etc
10) accustomed to many different surfaces: tile, hard wood, rugs, carpet, grass, mud (not intentional, ;( it was really rainy last weekend)
11) accustomed to baths
12) accustomed to having nails clipped
13) accustomed to having ears washed
14) accustomed to being brushed
15) accustomed to car rides
16) accustomed to lots of love and cuddles
17) eat regular hard puppy kibble
18) primarily potty trained, the ground work is there, they regularly go on pads inside and grass outside, but hey there are 14 what do you expect ;P
The mother had an incredible disposition and even allowed my son to be there while she gave birth, she licked his hand...and they are 1/2 her :)
These puppies have been given a fabulous platform to become a long-term member of your family.
I promise you the BYB trying to sell puppies on here, have not spent the time or effort to care for their puppies in the manner these dogs have been cared for. And sooo much has already been done for you.
Applications can be filled out at:
www.sheprescue.org
There is a modest adoption donation of $350:
Please those of you who want to complain about the donation, I assure you this litter has cost way beyond the amount that will be donated, vet visits, microchip, wormer, spay/neuter, general care!!!
The donation just allows the rescue to continue helping other dogs in need.
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