a hippy chick

I’m not talking about the car, people.  No worries!  For months I’ve been begging Mr. A to get a dog.  After the Coltrane debacle, in which he kicked him around and was generally just a jerk to the poor little abused mutt, I decided I wouldn’t have a dog until I was on my own; but I knew I’d eventually leave Mr. A and get a dog.  I love them that much. 

 I’m truly one of those sick people who can’t go on vacation without their dog, and who research every possible way to give their dog a good life, and who really think of a dog as a family member. 

 See, it’s been almost 4 years since Josie died…my sweet lil Josephine who was with me and supported me through thick and thin.  I have missed the unconditional love and companionship that a dog provides, but there was always a “good” reason not to get one.  The real reason is that Mr. A was jealous of sharing my time, even with a dog, and he let me know in every possible way that he would continue to be a jerk to any dog that shared our lives. 

Well, about a month ago, I was reading petfinder.com, because I am that lovesick for a dog, and Mr. A came up behind me and told me that I had his permission to apply for a dog, as long as it would fit in our lifestyle.  And for the record, I’ve done lots of research on this, and I know I’m not up to a lab or a pug or another Ridgeback.  But seems there is a great dog out there for me…a basset hound.  Namely, a basset hound name Herbert, who has an abuse story of his own.  Herbert was found thin and tied to a tree, with sores in his ears and a fear of thunder.  This ole boy is about 7 years old…well past the puppy stage…but he still has a lot to give.  Kind of like me.  I identified with Herbert right away, and so today when I got the call that the rescue group would be doing a home visit tomorrow, I immediately thought of how I could make ole’ Herbie’s remaining years good ones. 

I applied for Herbie, knowing I’d be moving and be on my own, knowing Mr. A couldn’t get to him and make his life bad.  Wow, I think the writing is on the wall for me and Mr. A.  I didn’t realize how angry I still was at him for his treatment of the animals in my life.

I think Herbie would be happy with us, and we would be happy with him.  I hate to say it, but the only hurdle is money.  I sense that’s going to be a continuing theme in the next few years!  Herbie is $125 to adopt, all of which goes back to the rescue organization, and it will cost another $250 for the pet deposit.  I will be able to feed him, kibble until I can afford raw, hopefully after my raise in March.  I can take care of any vet bills that might unexpectedly arise, because I will build an emergency fund asap and have already called the bank to establish a personal loan program to help my credit.  Of course, it’s not practical to spend money on a dog when I could be saving it, but I am determined to enjoy my life, and nurture myself and lil pill; I can sacrifice in other ways.

I would like every person that reads this blog to say a prayer or send a good thought my way, because I know that God can make a way for Herbie and me and lil pill to be a family.   God has taken care of all my needs, and most of my wants.  So why can’t he take care of providing the means so I can rescue a needy dog?  He knows the desires of my heart, and although it may seem silly, I know God made me with a love for animals that goes beyond how most people feel about them.  Herbie…I hope you’re going to be a part of our family at Christmastime!