1.02.2009

"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!

8 comments:

Amy said...

Congratulations! Sounds like you found a great dog. You deserve it after all you have been through on this search. I can't wait to meet her.

Yarnin_Mama said...

I need to use the same services, but first I have to convince my husband that he can't have a basset hound!

Stephanie said...

Love that picture of Sofie! We miss her but know she has the best home ever!

Michelle with a K said...

Oh, she's adorable!

Jenn said...

She's so cute! Congrats on finding a good match for all of you!

Didn't you guys have another dog that ran away or something? I remember Jon saying something about that...

Anonymous said...

Yarnin Mama - as the owner of a basset hound (a rescue one) - - - they are some of the BEST dogs we have ever had (we've had more than one plus we have had other breeds)!! Grace is an inside dog and is the best nap buddy ever - a snuggler.

Jen - congrats on your new family member - and that's just what they become a family member. =]

Kari said...

Sofie is adorable. :) She is very sweet and she makes a great addition to your family. It's a perfect match and I do believe Steph may be on to something... :)

Anonymous said...

After that terrible ordeal with the one that got away, ahem, I'm sure the boys especially are over the moon with Sofie. What a cutie!!