Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Welcome Winston!

I'm hijacking the Girls' Road Trip saga to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Throw in my birthday (December 23) and I can safely say that it's been quite an eventful week or so at my house. Let me explain.

After my sweet Indy boy went to the Rainbow Bridge back in June, I had doubts about getting another dog. There were plans to do post-retirement traveling, a practice that doesn't easily include dogs. Besides, I dog sit Brady (Son's dog) and Tinker Bell (Daughter's dog) fairly often, and definitely enough to give me a dog "fix".

Well, I didn't have either dog for the past several weeks and I must say, the house felt pretty empty. Bogey can fulfill a lot of roles, but playing the part of dog, isn't one of them. So I started a dangerous practice...looking on Petfinder. My husband was thrilled since he's not comfortable with selecting gifts and told me, "Great! I'll just go out and get you a dog for your birthday/Christmas present!"

This made me nervous, so I started searching seriously. I saw plenty of sweet-faced dogs that made me smile, but non really tugged my heartstrings until I noticed this precious little face.
















He and two litter mates were 10 week old breeder surrenders (Pekinese/poodle mix--Peekapoos!) to the St. Louis Senior Dog Project. They were scheduled to be at a Petco Adoption event in Kirkwood. Interesting. I traveled to Kirkwood where me and about 4 dozen other people came to see this little guy. I held him and fell in love.

I asked one of the volunteers how the puppies came into care. She explained that their group occasionally gets breeder surrenders because some breeders don't want too many male puppies as females are more marketable. In order to avoid the expense of caring for the "extra" males, some breeders kill them (I never heard of that before--what a horrible practice!). Fortunately, an arrangement came into being. Their group and other adoption groups would take the unwanted puppies instead and find homes for them. Thank goodness!

Well, you guessed it. This little guy came home with me. I believe Petco now feels I am one of their best customers.

So here I am, exhausted and wondering if I can keep up with all the puppy energy, training, and care. Did I do the right thing? I hope so. No other pup will replace my Indy boy, but in the words of Eugene O'Neill, it would be a poor tribute to his memory to never have another dog.

My new baby's name is Winston. He and I are busily establishing the home rules. He's smart and feisty and I sure hope he lets me win once in a while.

I guess in world history there have been cuter pups, but I surely don't know when. Okay, maybe I am slightly prejudiced on the matter. Please meet Winston!















































13 comments:

Sioux Roslawski said...

Pat--Winston is sooo cute. There is nothing cuter than a puppy... unless it's an adult dog that's well-loved.

Congratulations on the new family member. I am sure Winston will bring you many years of joy and laughter and cuddling.

Sherry said...

"Doesn't hurt to take a look." Ha ha! Congratulations!

Sioux Roslawski said...

Oh, and Pat--I had never heard the travesty about the vocal cords either. Another reason those folks will burn in he**.

Lassiter Chase and Benjamin said...

Hi Winston! He is adorable. Congratulations.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Congratulations, Pat! You've been adopted by Winston! :) What does Bogey think of his new housemate? I have to say that Winston is ridiculously adorable. I'm looking forward to future pics and stories of his antics as he works to train you. lol I can see why it was love at first sight. Somewhere above, your Indy is wagging his approval.

Idaho PugRanch said...

Congratulations!! Oh puppys - so much fun along with so much work BOL!
He is sure a cutie and we know he will bring you lots of joy
hugs
Mr Bailey, Hazel & mabel

AngelStar said...

o my dog! he is wonderful! lovely dog and lovely you! Happy Birthday!

Sketching with Dogs said...

Oh wow, what an adorable little sweetheart Winston is! Look at that little face.
Hope you had a great Christmas Pat and that you have a very Happy New Year!
Lynne x

Linda O'Connell said...

Pat, your Winston has stolen my heart via a photo. I can only imagine how much you are in love right now. Happy New Year to you and yours. Thank you for your visits to my blog.

Saku said...

Congratulations on the new furbaby! OMG he is cute, and sounds like he is lots of fun too.

Have a wonderful 2016!

Ryker said...

Oh My...You did the best thing ever!!! Congratulations and Happy New Year Pat!!!!

CreekHiker / HollysFolly said...

Oh Pat!!! What joyful news!!! Congratulations to you and to Winston!!! WOW!!

Just wanted to wish you a pawsome 2016!! I hope it's a wonderful year for you and your family!

Ann Summerville said...

How adorable. I probably should stop looking at your page as I am an empty nester too, but have vowed not to get another because I plan to do more travelling. Not sure how long I can hold out though. I'm so glad Winston found a good home. I can't understand the cruelty of some people!
Ann