Dog Days

 I have never been much of an animal lover, unless you count a brief stint in elementary school when I wanted to be a veterinarian, but what kid didn't at that age, along with Rock Star or Ice cream Scooper? I especially have minimal patience for dogs. I am to dogs, what most single people are to kids. While I may mildly appreciate others' dogs from a distance, I mostly think to myself why on earth would you put up with all that crap?- quite literally actually. Then I met Felicity, as we have named her (I know, I know, never name them).

On friday, Amber and I were ending our run a couple houses down from mine and we spotted this dog cowering in the front yard of a neighbor's. She looked so lost, scared and pathetic, some strange feelings stirred in my heart as Amber called her to over to us-- dare I say pity? This is coming from the girl who stubbornly ignored the mewings of a stray and hungry cat every night at our back door for weeks. The kids called him Midnight, JJ and I added Pestilence thus earning him the name Midnight Pestilence.

Well this dog, was so pretty and clearly not a typical stray. She looked healthy and well cared for. I figured someone must be missing her. Amber was going to take her to help her find a home but as she started to head toward her car, I surprisingly heard myself saying, “I'll take her.” I admit it felt a little like an out of body experience. I don't pick up stray dogs, I sneer at their idiocy for getting lost in the first place. Not this girl though, the thought of her being put to sleep at some pound or hit by a car, made my stomach churn. For the first time I came close to wanting a dog-- but I reminded myself I was only finding her family--we don't do dogs.

 The kids of course were excited to meet her and immediately embarked on a quest for a name. I reminded them she was a temporary yard guest, but could find no harm in having something to call her-- the first step down the slippery slope. I thought of Serendipity, because of the nature of our meeting, but it seemed too long, which led to Felicity. After I explained it meant happiness, the kids were sold due to her playful happy nature and the immediate fun she brought to their life.

We've visited some neighbor's and put up signs around the neighborhood, but I've started to think she may be abandoned. Although who could abandon her, I don't know. Over the last few days I have been at war with myself. I feel like one side of me is Gru in “Despicable Me” coming home from the fair with my face painted like a cat and arms fool of carnival goodies saying to a disgruntled and pragmatic Dr. Nefario “I've got the shrink ray...” To which my Dr. Nefario alter ego says sternly that I have to send them back.

I have phsycho analyzed my feelings with explanations such as:

“You just feel more comfortable with a dog in the yard while JJ is out of town.”

“ She's filling the growing void in your heart at the thought of your dear friends moving out of state soon.”

“ You just like the idea of having a dog.”

I tell myself:

“Dogs are expensive”

“You have to find somewhere for her to go every time you go out of town.”

“She'll chew things, (already has)

“She has big poops which the kids have yet to be willing to clean up. (although they said they would if we get a pooper scooper-we shall see)

“What about the summer? Are you going to keep her outside then too?”

I know all these things and more, are valid arguments against her. But yet I still find myself wanting to buy her a soft bed, clean up the yard so it's nicer to roam in, and worrying about her when I am out and about and it's raining. I keep trying to put up a wall against getting attached to her, but it crumbles every time she looks at me with those deep brown eyes that say in a devoted doggy voice “ and I will love you and serve you and be your best friend and you shall be mine, please keep me.” But mostly I am so utterly fascinated by these strange feelings, I just have to wait a little longer to see how they play out. I know I don't have time to find her a proper home before I leave. And I know I just can't send her to the pound. She is so joyful, loving, and devoted, she does not deserve to be snuffed out of existence. Our neighbor Sarah offered to feed her while I am gone and my mother-n-law has dogs,-- she probably won't mind keeping tabs on her outside during the week, right?

Most likely these feelings will disaparate at the first sight of a vet bill, or even more likely, at the first meeting of Felicity and the live version of my Dr. Nefario alter ego – JJ.

But, call me crazy, I just can't bare to part with little mutt just yet? Am I crazy????

Here she is with her new fan club:

Spring Swim

When I found out the temperature has been reaching the 90's this week, I decided instead of complaining about it, I would embrace it. Turns out some pools are open in town for spring break (I won't even mention what's wrong with those words co-habitating the same sentence). So we picked up our good friends to enjoy the sunshine and one of few remaining days before they move to California-- sniff, sniff.

Here we are embracing the weather...

Swimming has always been my #1 favorite bonding activity with the kids. Growing up by the beach has made me more of a dolphin rather than a desert rat. So any chance to re-hydrate in water is a welcome one, especially if it involves my best little friends. I have many fond memories of spending the summer days teaching the kids how to swim.... only to start over the next summer after they'd forgotten. I loved evey minute of it. Today when Laney and Jordan climbed in the water and comfortably swam like no time had passed-- I thought Hallelujah!

We had a buddy system....

 My little Buddy

I am amazed at what a different experience the pool is from a few years ago trying to juggle my little non-swimmers, it was surprisingly bittersweet. I felt happiness at the sight of Isabel growing up and running around with her friend, but also some trepidation as I looked around at all the teenagers grown up and alone there with their friends and boyfriends.

I found myself grateful for another day of the kids, despite their growing independence, still anxious to hang on my back, show me their tricks, and happy to be my buddy,

-- even if that day came in the middle of March!