Dog-gone-it

I'm an animal lover. Mostly dogs. Some cats. Since we've bought our new house, I've been itching to get a dog, never mind that we don't have a fence, and dogs smell, and you have to worry about what to do with them when you go out of town. I still really wanted a dog. Oscar putting "a dog" on his Christmas list cinched it. We had talked about getting a miniature schnauzer because they're small, good family dogs and the best thing--good for people with allergies, which we have in abundance. I watched ridiculously priced puppies on KSL for weeks, debating between the cuteness of puppies, versus the work. In the back of my mind, I'd thought about the animal shelter. I'd always wanted to adopt a dog from a shelter, but knew they would never have a mini schnauzer. I checked out nuvas.org for a few days, and lo and behold--there she was. A white, female miniature schnauzer, six years old, housebroken and loved kids. We went to see her, and loved her right away. A little plug in for nuvas, they have purebreds and mixes, puppies and adult dogs, and because there is such a turn around, they're getting new dogs all the time. And you can't beat the price--it varies from dog to dog, but most are $160.00, and that includes spay/neuter, microchip, shots and a vet visit. But I think more than all that, just knowing that you've given an animal another chance for love and a good home is such a great feeling.

Phil wanted to get her right then (that guy is such a softie), but adoptions stop at a certain time, and we were too late. The kids and I drove out to Lindon the next morning, and brought Maisie home. She's settled in really well, although the noise level and the kids' frenetic movements will send her scurrying (as they do me). Despite that, she's very protective, and loves us already. And alright, she does smell, but she sure is cute.