I'm crazy. At least you would think that is what I am supposed to believe....because everyone says I am.
We are getting a dog. I know...I heard you....I am crazy.
Shorty and I want a pet for Emma...and we want one too. Some of the best memories of my childhood involve my dogs. Penny and Luke. We had so many more than that...but, those dogs were my favorite as a kid. Most people I know had dogs growing up...just something you do I guess.
Shorty and I have never really considered getting a dog. He has pretty bad allergies to inside animals. So, we never knew it was possible. And, all the "hypoallergenic dogs" just weren't the dogs for us.
The thought popped into our heads again...and I began obsessing...in my typical fashion....to find the "perfect" dog for our family. I didn't know if I would find one...but, I thought I would try.
Well...I did find one. A Standard Poodle. Not a yippy little one. But, a big one. Not shaved and cut all prissy....but, just a black, female, short clipped Poodle. They are ranked in the top 10 dogs for families with small children, they hardly shed, easiest dogs to train, and they do not bother Shorty's allergies.
So, no matter how crazy people say I am....we are still getting one. Sure, I bet the dog will drive me nuts from time to time...I am aware of that....but I have a feeling we made the right decision because it was certainly researched and not done on impulse...the biggest mistake you can make when buying a pet.
We visited our second breeder yesterday. She lives in an area of Houston deemed "inside the loop." So, the Short family headed into the big city.
Shorty was the navigator (another long post) and I drove. We were about 1 1/2 miles from our destination...I got this VERY familiar feeling...like I had been there before....sitting at that very stop light.
My grandmother lived in Houston and she used to live in the proximity. I spent SO much time at her house...and we did quite a bit of venturing together.
One of my best memories as a kid was going to this place called "A Shop Around the Corner"
When we were almost to the breeder's house...sitting at that light...I told Shorty..."I think that store Muvvie used to take me to is right....there!" I looked over my left shoulder and there it was. Still there. I hadn't been in 20+ years....I couldn't believe I remembered it was right there...
Just so you know...we called our grandmother "Muvvie" my Mom's Mom. One of my favorite people on the planet.
So, I kept going...off to look at dogs. We arrived....visited with the family....played with puppies and left. Told them we would be in contact.
As we pulled down the road, I told Shorty I HAD to go into that store. I couldn't be so close and not go.
I pulled up in front of the store and was still couldn't believe it was still there. Nothing stays in business like that anymore.
I tried to open the door...and it wouldn't open. I then remembered the little bell you had to ring. You push this little bell and the door makes this horrid buzzing sound...and you are let in. Well...my stupid ass couldn't do it. I kept pushing and buzzing and pulling...and nothing.
So, here comes this little lady. She is coming to the door and I can see her in between the security bars and the stained glass. I yelled out to Shorty "It is the same lady!!!" He just looked at me like ok, whatever you say.
She opened the door...the little one and I walked around the tiny store. I remember it being so much bigger. Nevertheless, it was still the same. She had the very same things in there....it was the coolest.
I then walked up to the counter...and saw her little James Avery case. She sold James Avery years ago and still had a few pieces. I had to buy something. Just had to. There was a little Lady Bug charm in the case. I bought it for Little E. She has a bracelet just like the one I had.
I told the lady who was behind the counter that I used to come to the store over 20 years ago and what a treat it was for me to come back and have everything the same. She was in her mid 90's I would guess. She told me she had been there forever.
I told her that "Muvvie" bought Madam Alexander dolls for her granddaughters every Christmas...I had more than I could remember. She asked me my grandmother's name....I told her...and she told me she remembered her. She was so sincere...I know she wasn't just saying it for whatever reason.
I never cry...I don't get sentimental....just not me. But, I did yesterday. I didn't cry...just got tears in my eyes remembering the wonderful memories I had as a small girl.
Whether it be my favorite dogs or that doll house furniture store my grandmother took me to...I want to give the same thing to my daughter. I think that is what made me get all sappy....like I am right now.
So, call me crazy. We are getting a dog. But, I know it will be for the best.
Every girl needs a dog. (And a horse, but I haven't told Shorty that yet)
And, just so you know...for the one person that made it through this LONG post. The picture at the top is of the store. I can't wait to go back. Hopefully the lady in "A Shop Around the Corner" will have Rush Limbaugh blaring as loud as she did next time I visit her.
On the way home...we called the puppy people and said we would take the little black female. She will join us on September 6th. So, in the mean time...I have to get ready. Hopefully my kid will be a little more potty trained by then...ain't my life gonna be fun in a few weeks?
Poop please! ;)
Think I immersed my kid into the wonderful world of art and dance today. This morning was ballet class....we changed clothes and went to "Waterway Wednesdays." Our community association puts it all together...happens once a month...costs 7 bucks...they bring everything...and the creativity doors open wide.
She LOVES this bug she made....it is a sock stuffed with dry rice, rubber bands to make the body segments, pipe cleaners for legs and antennas....followed up with googly eyes and some finger paint. What is not to love?
