I did some looking around at local shelters and adoption websites but nothing seemed right. They were all nice enough pups, but they were too far away or the adoption fee was too much or they needed a home without cats.
In a moment of magical thinking, I talked to Josie like she was right with me, as always. I told her how she was irreplaceable, but I needed a pup to feel right again. Whatever pup I pick will have some big pawprints to step into, so help me find a good one, okay? I said. Then I clicked on to the Adopt-a-Pet website and did a search. Five minutes later I'd found my new pup. Later I learned that I'd sent in my application for her mere minutes after she was listed. It was fast! The next day we drove an hour away to the shelter to see her, and it didn't take long to see that she was just what we were looking for.
Everyone, meet Jenny.
She's a four month old lab/pit mix, and if you're thinking she looks a lot like Josie, you're right. She got those perked ears and a little more white, but the resemblance is delightful. That's where the similarity ends, though -- her personality is very different!
Where Josie was all about play and food, Jenny is more of a cuddler and takes her time to finish a meal. Jenny is bright and learns quickly, but she doesn't have Josie's drive. Josie would play fetch as long as you kept throwing, but Jenny will bring the ball back for a few throws and then suddenly there's a bug going by that is much more interesting-- or hey, maybe we should just roll in the grass for a while!
Having a puppy around has got me thinking of puppy stuff, so I think my next few entries will be about the extra work and care that having a young dog around means. Stay tuned for that!
