"And they call it puppy love....."

I think it's safe to say that the VeStrands are officially in "puppy love"!  It's been a busy two weeks around here as we finally took the plunge (after some unmentionable obstacles!) and adopted a one-year old poodle named Sofie!!  First, a little background.......

Our kids, Sawyer specifically, have been begging/pleading for a dog for years.  We tried a puppy a few years ago but (and those of you who know me well won't be surprised) that lasted only 5 days. We found out quickly that we are definitely not "puppy people".  I wouldn't have ever thought I would even own a dog, but dog sitting for Webster (my boss' 95-pound goldendoodle) changed all that. I decided that having a dog around wasn't so bad after all.  Then, once we moved and were settled in a quiet neighborhood with a big yard, we decided the time was right.  

With the assistance of my dear friend and fellow petfinder.com stalker, Steph, the search began. We only had a "few" criteria:  less than 20 pounds, between 1-3 years old, non-shedding breed, crate and housetrained, preferably black, oh, and ADORABLE.   Were we asking too much? Well, apparently we were, because every single available poodle mix dog in Maryland and the surrounding areas (and we checked them all!) was adopted before our applications ever reached the rescue groups. (The application process is a whole 'nother post in itself!)  

Meanwhile, down in sunny Florida, Steph began volunteering for the rescue organization from which they had adopted their sweet dog, Cooper.  She quickly came to realize that poodles were in abundance in Florida, and we daily lamented the fact that it seemed like all the poodles were down there while we were in Maryland.  

Then one Sunday afternoon, Steph sent me a picture of an adorable black poodle named Sofie. Along with the picture, she wrote simply "I would scoop her up for you guys in a minute." That statement was all it took.  I showed Jeff the picture and responded immediately to Steph, saying "Seriously, could you?  What would it take for us to get her to Maryland?"

And the rest, as they say, is history.  Many phone calls, online searches, and flight inquiries later (not to mention Steph using her volunteer clout!), Sofie arrived at BWI via Tampa and Houston on December 17!  She was just hanging out in her crate and seemed no worse for the wear when she popped out of the luggage carousel and into our hearts!  (yes!  she came right out on the luggage carousel!)

She has quickly become a member of our family!  We love her!  She is playful and energetic but also sleeps in our bed every night--the very best part of having a dog, in my opinion--and loves to snuggle on the couch.  She loves to ride in the car and bark at all the deer in our backyard. Each morning when I get the boys up for school, she runs up the stairs, jumps on Sawyer's bed and licks his face all over, which he loves!  Last week, she went to Pennsylvania with us for the Lenhart family Christmas, and we had several requests to clone her!  That's how great she is!   Steph did good!  I told her she needs to open a dog-to-owner matchmaking service and start a show on Animal Planet.  It would be a hit!

So, as you can see, it's been busy at the VeStrands!  We have been getting to know Sofie and adjusting to having a new four-legged family member.  Not to mention family visits, Christmas, school plays, sports activities, church activities, and all the other fun events that come with the holidays!  But all is back in order now, and I imagine you will be reading many "Sofie Stories" as we continue to attempt "peace in the pandemonium" that is life at the VeStrands!