You Can Pick Your Friends!

May 27, 2009 -

This week, there are so many news stories about the President-elect and his endeavor to bring a puppy to their soon-to-be White House home for his daughters, Malia and Sasha. There's so much speculation about what kind of dog they should get, and why. I hope, and fully expect that Barack Obama and his family will seek out a dog that speaks to them. Like so many of us that are pet parents, we find that the animals that come into our lives often picked us, not the other way around. Even families that choose to get a purebred will tell the story of how they picked their little one because it responded to them in a way that reached into their hearts. When I look at little Molly (as I often do, the gushingly smitten new mommy that I am), I again marvel at how she chose to be in my life, and firmly planted herself there. She tucks herself into my lap at every available chance as if to say, "See? I belong with you." It melts my heart. It solidly gave her a home with me. And I'll always treasure this little one that seemed to come into my life because she wanted to. When I was half-attempting to find her a home, there was a colleague of mine, Erica, that was interested in her. Honestly, she was the only person I considered giving Molly up to. I realized later because I knew I'd still have Molly somewhat in my life as she came into the office on Fridays, or via stories from her new mommy. Erica was wrought with trying to decide if Molly would be a good fit with her current dog, an amazing, alpha female Border Collie named Sophie. But something happened that changed the course of Erica's life: a dog chose her. It was a touch of destiny that, just as I was agonizing of letting Molly go, consigning myself that at least if Erica took her she'd be sort of near me, a new dog came into Erica's life. A dog that needed her and, clearly, that Sophie needed. I saw her the other day, ushering in Bruno (a rottie mix) with Sophie, and it was satisfying seeing a match that is so right. So to the Obama family, and all families looking for a new pet to add to their family, I wish you the blessing of having a doggie speak to your soul and fill that space in your heart that's been waiting just for that one specific dog. ~ Shana

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