More Doggie Stuff

First, an update on Brutus: turns out, in true Brutus fashion, he has contracted a rare type of hookworm which the vet believes is probably leading to his weight loss. I swear if there is a weird dog disease out there, Brutus will find it. My Brutus can't get roundworms, or some other simple parasite that can be ousted by a liquid wormer that I already have in my cupboard; no, Brutus has to come up with the $8 per pill worms! Oh well, we are his parents and we have to take care of him, right?

Now, a little social commentary on rehoming pets. As many of you know we have been looking for a new canine family member. I have searched Petfinder, Oodle, NW Classifieds, every shelter, rescue and even Craigslist (which I am ultra-skeptical about). Although there are not many reasons why I think rehoming a dog is the right thing to do, I do understand that at times it is necessary. The problem I have with it is this: "1 year old Mastiff looking to find a new home. Awesome, loving boy will be great in any environment. I am leaving for Nevada in 2 days and MUST find a home for him. Serious Inquiries only please. Asking $800 rehoming fee."  Really?.........I mean, REALLY? You are desperate to find a new home for your dog, a dog that you are abandoning, and you want me to pay how much!?!? Why don't you come to my house, see how I treat my dogs, look at my yard, interview my veterinarian, and if you decide I am the right new owner for your dog you leave him with me, at no charge, knowing that he has a loving home with people who are going to take care of him? I just don't get it.

Ok, I'm done.

We were really set on being able to adopt a dog who really needed a home, especially because we were willing to adopt a little bit older dog (6 months - 2 years). I did contact a breeder or two after having no luck searching adoptable dogs. I just couldn't get myself to do it. We really wanted to adopt. Well, I guess when it rains it pours. This morning my friend Krista posted a tag on my Facebook wall with a puppy who was at the Everett Shelter. Brandon ran over there this morning to check him out and, of course, fell in love. I think his words were, "You sent the wrong person to come and look at a puppy!" He ended up leaving but I told him I would meet him there later so I could meet the puppy. This morning he was on hold so apparently someone was interested in him, but we decided if it was meant to be, it was meant to be. After work I headed to the shelter. Brandon was already there playing with the little guy. He is really cute. They think he is approximately 4-5 months old, a Great Dane/Mastiff mix. He and Brandon were fast friends. And so we decided to adopt him. He has to stay at the shelter tonight and get his jewels removed tomorrow morning. But we get to bring him home tomorrow afternoon.

Then tonight, as I searched the ads for the goober's ad that had the Mastiff for $800, I came upon this:

The is George. He needs a new home. Here is the link to his ad if you are interested:
Adopt George

I fear we may end up doubling our canine companions in a matter of one day! Already Brandon is saying, "What if no one else wants him because he's 3? I should just go check him out tomorrow...." This guy is a beauty. And if you are interested in getting a new dog I really cannot recommend Danes enough. They are gentle, easy going, they require minimal grooming, not a ton of exercise, and they are the best cuddlebugs ever.

In any event, our new little bug will be home with us tomorrow evening. We are waiting to name him until he's here and we can see what fits his personality best. I'll post pics tomorrow!