The Preamble

It was time.  My family's childhood dogs, Tibetan Terrier litter mates Randy and Jasper, passed within two months of one another at the ripe old age of nearly 16.  (That's them on the right, being their sweet, loving selves this past winter.)  The family had a rough time with the boys leaving us; mom and I each had medical grief reactions, but we all were somewhat of a mess.  To lessen my own grief, I tried to talk myself into the pragmatic viewpoint that "they're just dogs."  Yes, they were part of the family, but it's not like a person passing, right?  I soon realized what a futile effort this was.  Two members of our family were no longer with us.  A furry piece of our collective puzzle was missing.

Part of the devastation was knowing that after Randy and Jasper were gone, that was it for my folks.  My parents have spent the last 40 years caring for kids or dogs; it is time for them to have a clean house and care-free lifestyle, for once.  No more messes on the white carpets, no more scheduling dog-sitters for their frequent travel.  This was it.  It was hard to think about.

In 2008, I moved into the condo I currently live in with my honey, Pat.  We started talking about getting a dog, hypothetically, in early 2011.  I had my mind set on a dachshund, thinking one would be the perfect size for our cute little place.  Pat reminded me they can be somewhat ornery and tended to be one-person dogs.  Okay, I better widen my perspective.  The dog seeds had been planted, though.

Beyond the trauma of losing Randy and Jasper, 2012 has been a rough year on our family.  We lost our beloved cousin, Johanne Ask, in February after losing her final battle with cancer, but only after fighting multiple other battles and winning.  Again, we were devastated, but recognized the special gift of having the entire family come together around her.  Then, a few weeks later, Pat's grandmother passed away in Washington.  Another blow.  And it was only March...

After Cousin Jo had passed, I started thinking more about getting a dog.  I wanted to feel normal again.  I needed something to look forward to and give me perspective after so much devastating loss that all happened so quickly.  Mom and Dad needed a little (furry) sunshine in their lives.  I started by looking at Gastineau Humane Society's website; at first it was casual, then is was frequently, then it was hourly, or so it seemed.  My eyes were peeled for the perfect little addition to my household.

Toward the end of April, we had just come home after attending Pat's grandma's memorial in Washington.  We were home for two days before it occurred to me to get back on GHS's website and see if any new little dogs had come along.  And there she was.  Little Lola.

I'd like to take the opportunity to ask you to consider a small donation to the Gastineau Humane Society.  The people working there LOVE animals and do so many good things for them and the people who love them.  Please consider volunteering your time or making a donation to support this amazing asset in our community.   http://www.ghspets.org/  Thank you!!