Adoption

The day after I rescued the two boys from starvation and certain death came the news that the mother was found dead with her puppies still trying to feed. Traumatized and sad, Joanna turned to me for help to get them adopted. In the spirit of my mother I immediately agreed to take them on and find a new family. Immediately I found one nest to me with a student that was in love with Chance. Joanna agreed to try and take another and see how that went, which left only one more to get a new home. I headed out to Joanna’s house where we bathed and fed the three girls, naming them the three jewels…. Ruby, Sapphire and Opal. Ruby was kept by Joanna and adopted out a day later, Sapphire went to my students house and Opal came home with me to meet Chance.
The meeting was tentative and fascinating… Setting Opal on the floor between us, I introduced her into our pack with only minor disciplining for Chance as she struggled to understand the role of the little body curling on the Alpha female’s (me) legs. I knew how to introduce the two of them and understood already what kind of time it could take but sure enough, within ten minutes Chance was playing with the tiny puppy wandering and exploring the house. That night Chance slept at a friends house while I went out on the town with other friends and watched what locals call a Spectacle. This absolutely cracks me up since spectacle back at home is a little bit different. This spectacle involved a very well known and loved band, drinks ( of course) food ( also of course) and dancing ( of course x3). It was very fun but I returned to a hungry and tired baby already trained to my call. Opening the door she teetered towards me on her little stiff baby legs and wagged her tiny fuzzy tail in happiness that I had returned. It was a quick bond of love between us. But that night.
Due to my medication I slept for a fantastic and fully exhausted three hours.
3 AM: she was awake, crying, wanting food and love and warmth.
4 AM: and again.
5 AM: And again. Except at 5 instead of responding to her crying I slammed my hand down on the mattress, sternly said “Opal!” and she immediately quieted down.
6:30 AM: we were hungry. Both of us actually. I hadn’t eaten the night before except for a few beef brochettes and our drinks. I made a quick et of oatmeal and honey for the two of us, knowing for a fact that she would be back asleep the moment after she had finished eating.
7AM: She’s out. And Im back in bed. For the next hour.
But she is absolutely adorable. Absolutely, and almost identical to Chance. Identical markings except for her left foot. Instead of a white thigh high boot, she’s got nothing but a baby booty. it’s the cutest thing to watch her and Chance as the wrestle and play. And she’s smart and super quick to learn anything new. Learning from Chance today she barked her first bark, leaped over my legs and tried to recover with her face- exactly what Chance used to do ( and still does sometimes) and even snapped at Chance after she tried to steal her food. Chance was very disconcerted and a little confused that the bottom rung of our pack hierarchy had stood up to her. She’s going to be a fantastic and amazingly loving companion and will have the nerve to take on the other dogs of her neighborhood.
But I also know I cant keep her. I just cant. Every second though I get more and more set on it. So I found her a new family with a friend in town and I am still having such a hard time letting her go. I already love her! She is just like Chance in so many different ways and actions. Even the same quirks. Its beautiful. And my in my mind I can see them being a beautiful set of dogs when the get older. But Chance is the queen of the household and although I do everything I can to make sure she cant be depressed or feel unloved I know she loves being the ruler of the house. I also see though that she loves playing with Opal, wrestling, and even napping nose to nose with her. So what do I do?
I have decided I really should give her up. I am about to leave for a chunk of time this summer and wont be around to raise her. On the other hand she will be as old as chance was when I left her the first time to go on a trip. And I know my friend would love to baby-sit both of my girls along with her new puppy I just gave her. Its just the expense. And it is incredibly expensive to feed one dog, let alone another. Yes, she has to go to a new home. But I think a part of my heart may go with her. I don’t know how my mom used to do it when I was younger. Maybe we just learn to focus on the fact that we have made a huge difference in a life and will be able to make another difference for someone else in the future. (sighs)
She does capture your heart though. As the all do.