get a dog

I work for a newspaper (shameless plug: www.tbt.com). We had a Web poll to name the dog. Based on a reader’s suggestion, I chose the name Nikko. So this is him. He’s a doll. I love having him!

“Lonnie” (name to be changed soon) will be the fourth dog I’ve had. My roommate has never had a dog, so this should be interesting. I talked her into it, so I take full responsibility if it doesn’t work out. But he’s such a sweetie!

I bought him from a kill shelter, so if worse come to worst I’ll take him to a no-kill shelter. That way his life is still spared. But I think it’ll be great. I’m so happy!

I was on my way to work when I decided to hit the dog shelters instead. I went to the same three as last weekend. Marvin was acting hyper this time around (although I’d be hyper, too, if I lived in a cage) so I decided he would be my Plan B.

Then I went to Animal Services and fell in love with a brown Shepherd/Collie mix. He’s 8 weeks old, and he was there with his brothers. They were labeled as Ronnie, Lonnie, and Donnie in the cage, but I’m sure I’ll rename him. I called my roommate and talked her getting him, and I signed the paperwork. I’m picking him up from the vet on Monday. He’s such a sweetie; so mellow.

The only problem: I’m puppy-sitting for a friend this week, I have NO dog supplies whatsoever, and I’m taking someone to airport on Monday. Not to mention, I have to go to WORK! But he’s so worth it. It’ll all work out.

Now for a name… I’ll upload a photo next week. Suggestions are welcome. :-)

Went dog scouting today with my coworker and another friend. We visited three shelters, and most of the dogs didn’t seem like a good match.

Then there was Marvin. He’s a light brown mutt, 1 year old, about 45 pounds and fully grown. He was so calm and agreeable. I live in a small house with a small yard, so he could be a good fit.

The lady at the shelter says all the “old people” like to “snatch up” the new dogs that come in at the beginning of each week, so I might make another trip on Monday or Tuesday. But I’d be happy with Marvin.

This morning my roommate and I were making breakfast smoothies. Then the blender broke—steam came out of the back! We wound up eating lumpy yogurt and fruit mush. It tasted awful, but I didn’t want to waste the food. My roommate ended up flushing hers town the toilet because we don’t have a garbage disposal.

I told her that a dog works very similarly to a garbage disposal. If we had a dog, we could just pour our smoothies directly onto the floor and let him lap it up! She smiled.

This morning my boss left two books on my desk: “Simon & Schuester’s Guide to Dogs” and “Dogwatching.” Everyone is pulling for me to get a dog! On “Grey’s Anatomy” (my favorite show) the other night, the characters even bought a dog. It’s destiny, I tell you.

Growing up, I always had a dog. But my roommate didn’t. It’s taken a few months, but I’m starting to wear her down. It helps that our coworker, Deborah, just got an adorable puppy last week.

Deborah has agreed to come to the shelter with me this Saturday. My roommate has to work, but Deborah says if I fall in love with a dog, I should take a photo on my camera phone and send it to my roommate on the spot for her approval. I was going to wait until after Christmas to get a dog, since I’m going home to Cleveland, but Deborah just offered to dog-sit.

Boy, you really can change your life overnight!