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Room for one more

There was big news on our cul de sac this week.  The neighborhood grew by one.

Yes, friends, you heard it here first.  We got a dog. 

Well, to clarify, my brother got a dog and we will be helping to take care of him.  So technically, he's my "dog-nephew".  

Meet Cisco!

Cisco is a 12-year old hound mutt. His previous owner recently had a stroke and was unable to care for him properly.  He has had some wonderful "interim care" by the owner's sister and brother-in-law.  We got to meet him last week just to make sure it would be a good match and on Friday, he arrived at my brother's house for good. 

He is wonderful.  He is mellow and loving. He knows a few basic commands. He rarely barks and it seems that he will get along well with other dogs.

I love the fact that we have taken in an older dog.  As you probably know, older animals are usually tough to place with families.  Lots of people want cute puppies or younger dogs. I, however, love an older dog. We can skip all that housetraining, shoe chewing, jumping on people, and crazy puppy behavior and move straight to the constant loyal companion phase. I love that phase in dogs. 

I had one more thought that occurred to me as we brought Cisco into our lives this week. I thought about how our family experienced life with Charlotte. Our time with her was short. It was limited. We spent every moment we could making her life and our time in her life count.  We made sure she was loved, comfortable, and (yes) a bit spoiled.  I love that we were able to do that for her. I love the fact that we had the time and ability to make each moment count.  

If we can share more of that spirit with another living creature, I find a small sense of fulfillment.  I know that we will not have decades to spend with our new canine friend, but I know that we can make his time here comfortable and happy.

Welcome to our home, Cisco.  We're glad you're here.  


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