It's very likely that more blog posts will follow - shorter ones with pictures and funner stories and blah blah - but this one comes first because I have a dog and I don't care who knows it! Seriously, though. I have a dog, and next to my niece she's the most precious little thing in my little world. Also, this post has the propensity to be very longwinded as I want to preserve every moment.
I've been wanting a dog for a while. Like a long while. But the timing was never right. There was always something: time, money, space, selfishness (I'm not going to drag my ass outside in the rain, in the cold, in the middle of the day, out of bed, multiple times a day for 13-odd years just for fun). But last Monday at my CCCG westside-talk-it-out, we talked about connectedness and how that is essentially the base motive for everything I (and most humans) do. The need to be connected, feel connected, blah blah. And as much as I love my friends and family - and I LOVE (yes, shouty caps) my friends and family - I want and need connectedness at home on a regular and constant basis. So last Tuesday morning I texted my bff Jill the following: I think it's time I get a dog.
Enter the Atlanta Humane Society.
I had been looking at their website on and off for a couple months, mainly when I was bored at work and needed a break. I knew I wanted an older dog, but not an old dog. There was one dog I wanted to go see, so last Wednesday I drove up to Alpharetta on my lunch break to just check out this dog. If we bonded I would move forward, but if I didn't even like her then I didn't have to waste anymore time or energy wondering about it.
I walked back into the kennel area of the HS and the third dog in was curled up in a little ball and just peeked her little face up when I walked by her kennel. My heart lurched, stopped, flipped, pounded, riverdanced, whatever - it was an instant connection. But I was there to see one dog in particular so kept walking and asked to see the little mutt. And we did not bond. She was cute and playful but she was a puppy - and I did not want a puppy. I still have the claw mark on the back of my neck from trying to pet that one. So I asked the HS worker person if I could see that other dog...
Enter Happy.
This dog was cautious and curious and sniffed everything in the room. I petted her as she walked by and I tried to remain objective when she buried her head in my lap and stretched out next to me (I had NOT come to get a dog that day and I don't make rash decisions about long-term commitments), but I already knew - this was my dog. She and I had an understanding. We already knew each other somehow. I trusted her and she trusted me. I realized what getting a dog would entail but I knew I wouldn't hate it (all the time) because I loved her.
After pleading with the HS people to not let anyone else take her home, I called Momsie on my way back to the office. My mother is a very rational person who does not make quick decisions, either, especially about long-term commitments. I also knew that I had a big weekend coming up with people in town and blah blah, so seriously not the most convenient time to transition. Sally, however, was 100% for me getting a dog - and getting that dog that day. So I honored and obeyed my mother (boom, 10 Commandments!), left work early, drove back to Alpharetta, and drove home with my dog.
Enter name change: Nora
There was no way I was going to keep such a horrendous name for such an amazing pup but I also had no idea what to call her. I didn't know her personality yet. It was when we stopped at SLiz's house to pick up a pilates video that it came to me: Nora. Strong, stubborn, sensitive, calm, cautious, fearless, extremely protective, playful, snuggly, and so very sweet and loving. I think that is what I would name my mountain lion if she were corporeal.
I don't necessarily believe in the mysterious hand of God in life, but I am so very grateful to God when I come across something wonderous. I have no idea how I got so blessed to have Nora. She has her moments - loves to chew on my running shoes, is incredibly stubborn - but she's also only just 1.5 years old. I'm 28 and I still have issues. She's only peed in the house once (okay, once at my house and twice at the Haws') but all were my faults - I either didn't see her at the door (at the Haws) or I told her to wait and she couldn't (at my apt). She sleeps curled up next to me all night and she snuggles next to me on the couch in the evenings. She wants to be petted and be close. She's never needed to be kenneled or baby-gated; she sleeps on the couch or in my reading chair while I'm gone. She sits, stays, stays close, leaves it, hangs on, and knows where home is.
Seriously.
