Chapter 2 - Another Rescue

Sigh...

As I was saying, Sugar has this NEED to rescue critters.

So, Tuesday, she had a really hard big-sister day, so after dinner we headed up to the mall. She sometimes likes to go to the pet store and hold puppies for therapy. I know...I know, we were playing with fire....but we've always been able to say, "Gee, that was nice. Bye little puppy. Thanks for the snuggles."

Oh, not this time...

She picked a little papillon. It was love at first sight. This little guy was the cutest, mellowest, sweetest, cuddliest puppy I have ever seen. If money were no object, I would have bought him on the spot.

But I put on my strong mommy face and said, "Okay Hon, it's time to put him back and say good-bye."

"Awww, Mom..." (with saddest puppy-dog eyes possible.)

"C'mon. Let's go. We can't afford him."

By the time we'd walked to the other end of the mall, the tears were starting. I had repeated every good reason not to get this dog.

1. He's not free.
2. We're not rich.
3. Sunshine has allergies.
4. We don't need a pure-bred.
5. You're not rescuing him. They won't put him out on the street.
6. I have enough on my plate right now.
7. You're dad will never, ever go for this.
8. No.
9. Because I said so.

Did I mention that I'm a softie (and so is Daddy)?

Sugar spent the night in tears. Not spoiled, I want it now tears. Sobs. Heart-rending, fear-filled, what-if sobs. She was absolutely afraid that dog would end up in the wrong hands.

I've had a few of those sleepless nights myself. When Cupcake's adoption went south and we had no idea if she would ever come home. Her eyes haunted me. What if she ended up in the wrong hands?

Did I mention this dog has "orphan eyes"? If you've ever poured over adoption photolistings, you know what I mean. He looked up at us and said, "Are you going to take care of me?" with his eyes. All those well-reasoned arguments went out the window.

What were we supposed to do?

I took pictures on my camera phone.

Sigh...

The next day we went back with Sunshine to test his allergies. Not only did Sunshine do okay, he joined in the begging.

On Friday, we met Daddy at the pet store after work. Then we ran back home to get Sunshine one more time for another test, since puppies are non-refundable. We put the little guy on hold for 24 hours, just in case Sunshine's eyes poofed up beyond recognition.

Sunshine was fine.

So, Saturday morning...we drove back to the mall to buy a puppy.

I guess we rescued him from all those rich people. ;-)

Anyway, I'd like to introduce our new little ball of fur, Rascal.

Do you see the look of pure bliss on Sugar?

Blessings to you,
Mamita