My hubby has been looking online at "animal shelters" here and there and will show me the adorable, cute, heartwarming online pics of puppies from time to time that need a home. Every other week, the Moms Executives (Julia & Maximus) and I will visit the puppy store to get our fix and have some play time with a few of the little rascals. Not growing up with dogs myself, I was starting to grow a liking to the little guys but knew we were not a "dog home".Well... to cross off our Summer Letter "P", Puppy Store, as a family trip, Hubby found a local adopting event to attend.
She introduced me to Valdo's mom so I would see the possibility of how big our little black lab would get. She told me about feeding him, the shots necessary, the back yard safety, the time commitment and most importantly the attention and love that a puppy needs from the adopting family. I felt the love and care that Rachel has for the shelter and all the animals Hoovers Hause saves. I continued to ask how this shelter came about and she explained that the founder, Sharon, saves these animals from the Mississippi areas (there is a high death rate of pets) cares for them, brings them up to date on their shots and makes sure they get to good health. Then Sharon and her team transports them to Wisconsin to find them a loving caring home. Its a long drive for the animals and they are sure to stop for "potty" breaks and a good stretch when needed for the pets.
Rachel was extremely kind and very helpful in educating me about an area I was never familiar with. As she let us have our time with Valdo and a few other pups, Sue came by and asked if this was our newest family member. "No, my mom just takes a lot of pictures where ever we go." This was true, I had my camera on full gear of these adorable animals.My questions continued with Sue. As a mother herself, she shared with me on the true responsibilities of a pup, and through it, I also felt how much love a pup brings to a family.
Sharon, the founder of this amazing shelter, Rachel and Sue, were hero's that not only save these living angels but also brings life to new homes for families to love, enjoy and grow up with newest members of the family. As one volunteer said, this is a "lifestyle". I understood that, and no longer felt that you are, or are not a "dog home", you are an "extended family with a pet" or you are not.
As much as I did want to take little Valdo home, we left (some in tears) and I contemplated this...(because ultimately it would be ME taking care of him).*Would I be a good Pet Mommy?
*How could I leave him at home while I ran the kids to soccer, baseball, dance and more?
*I have a gazillion things to take care of at home right now, how could I give him any more attention with the time I don't have right now? and I learned this...
*I never thought I'd be a mom of 4 and I never thought I was ready for them either ;) xoxoxox
*The kennel at home is a "safe" place for them to feel comfortable & secure while we are away.*A gazillion things could wait... I need to slow down anyway and enjoy my family time with my kids and a new pup...time doesn't stop.
We arrived home and I made the call... "Is Valdo still available?" The reply, "No, he was adopted today."My heart was crushed, (and geez these pics melt my heart!) but my hubby reassured me... I know this adopting agency put him in a good home and I am happy for him.
So needless to say.... we are attending the next adopting event and if you are looking to extend your family, I hope to see you there too!
Thank you Sharon and the Hoovers Hause All Dog Rescue for doing all you do.
