We’re expecting, and it’s a girl!

You’re missing me… I know. I can hear, from across countries and continents, your sobs of “Oh, where, oh where, is today’s JoeGirl post?”

I have been a little—okay, a LOT—distracted this week. We have news. Big news. No, not that big. But big enough. Big enough to not be able to focus on work, of the paying variety or the icky house variety. Big enough to spend every minute surfing the web in preparation. Big enough to be running through girl names in my head both night and day! Big enough to want to shout it from the rooftops…

“We’re getting a new dog!”

It has been over a year and a half since we said goodbye to our sweet Jasmin. I never thought I would be ready to love another dog so soon. We have been dog-sitting lately. To help our friends of course, but also to satisfy my doggie-cravings. They’ve been great, great dogs: Bear, Zeke and Zoe, and Bear again. Upon Bear’s most recent departure, I realized I was actually sad—and most definitely lonely—without him here.

And so I began to look. Local rescue operations and humane societies post available dogs online. To say I’ve only just begun my search would be a lie, as in fact, I have been looking since not long after Jazzy’s passing. Most required homes with older kids. A few along the way have seemed ideal, but my heart just wasn’t ready.

Almost two weeks ago, or thereabouts, I sent an email to B.A.R.K about one of the dogs listed on their website, Karma. No reply. I sent another. Again, no reply. Feeling quite anxious, I picked up the phone—a huge indication I was serious this time. I spoke to Nadine, who told me a bit more about Karma. As a family, we decided to meet her.

And so we did, just this past Sunday. She is lovely. Extremely shy and timid, but with time, patience and love, she will surely come around. She is almost six months old now. Already house- and crate-trained, and knows some basic commands.

Karma, at four months

I saw her again today, as I submitted the adoption agreement to her foster Dad. She seemed to recognize me this time, which of course made my heart sing.

We intend to change her name—to make her our own—but are torn between Heidi and Marley. We will wait to have her home to make the final choice.

She is due to arrive at noon on Thursday. I simply cannot wait.