Day 304: Adoptee

They usually find us. The strays, the starving, the damaged doggies and bent cats. On freeways, in state parks, in back alleys. They always find us. The last time I bought a pet, it was a fish, and I was 12. Fish, after all, don't usually follow you home.

But today, 12 days after our dear Hammer left this world, we broke with tradition and went out in search of a dog. Being parents, we no longer have the luxury of bringing any stray into our home untested. So we went to the local PSPCA's Animal Care & Control Team to try and make a difference for one dog. Sarah (sadandbeautiful) and her daughter were kind enough to come along to make sure we didn't let infatuation get the better of us.

We met several candidates: Bo, Boomer, and Remi...all of whom were sweet and energetic. A bit too energetic for us.  And then we met Ben, a pit-basset mix. Yes, pit-basset. Imagine a pit head and body, loaded on basset legs, and you get the idea. Here's his rap sheet: He' s 3 years old, and had been the house pet at a drug & alcohol recovery house. He's mellow, indifferent to other dogs, good with cats, good with kids, and has no food aggression issues. 

So we filled out the paperwork, got the leash from the car, and brought him home.

 

So far he's fitting in well. He hasn't paid any attention to Annie, our salty old cat, and has been respectful of boundaries like "out of the kitchen." He's also a born couch potato and LOVES to cuddle. Right now he's asleep and snoring, with his head on Cecily's knee.

We're still working on a name. My favorites thus far have been Tank, Groucho, and Angus. In that order.

Comments

[Sarah]

He is seriously perfect for you guys. I love him already. Fabulous shot of him!

[Melissa in TN]

He looks like such a sweetheart.

Just curious, why didn't he stay at the drug and alcohol recovery place?

Also, those pictures of Snow White over at Cecily's blog are adorable. She is such a beauty.

[Kerri Ferguson]

Yeah for rescue dogs!!! So glad you found your new perfect dog.

[Alien Ted/Stitchalicious]

We think Leon Dog Wonder is a pit-basset mix! Great choice!

[Andrew]

At this point, should you be trying to rename the dog? He should be used to his old name by now.

FWIW, I had an Uncle Ben (really) who looked a lot like that. Except for the ears.

Plus, you could have fun with the name. Get one more cat, or any other animal, and you would have Bennie and the Pets.

Just saying.

[Charlie]

Melissa - He was found as a stray, and the SPCA found he had a microchip, which traced to the halfway house. But when the SPCA called the halfway house, the number had been disconnected.

Andrew - "Ben" was a name given to him when he checked into the SPCA just a month ago. He doesn't seem to answer to it, so figured we'd start from scratch.

[Karen]

I second Leon. He looks like a Leon. Or Belvedere. Or Hank.

[Melissa in TN]

I think the new pup, whatever his name turns out to be, has got it made now.

[laura]

So happy for the family !
He is beautiful!

[Celeste]

Well, he's beautiful and he sounds like the perfect temperament for your home.

I wonder if your state government can help you track down any info on somebody who may have worked at the halfway house; those places usually have to go through some sort of licensing so there might be a cell phone contact somewhere. Totally understand if it's not worth the effort, though.

[Alien Ted/Stitchalicious]

I thought I'd just throw in a photo of Leon so you can compare. Leon was a dogs home find as well, but came in off the street so they didn't know what was in him. I'm a total sucker for those stumpy little legs.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aliented/560445846/in/set-620298/

[PaleMother]

He's adorable, Charlie. Congrats!

[Charlie]

Alien Ted - Thx for the link. What a cutie.