Hello Readers,

I haven’t posted anything the last few Sundays.

Life took an unexpected turn.

My daughter came to visit for a week before her federal job is reinstated. I haven’t seen her in a year, so it was a welcome sudden change in plans.

While she was here she said, “Mom, you need to get a dog.”

I’d been thinking about it now that I live in a new town. I’ve made new friends here, but it takes time to build close friendships. So why not a dog?

My mind went back and forth with all the pros and cons of dog ownership with a mix of excitement & resistance. It seems any change brings both excitement and fear.

My daughter went online and found a local senior dog rescue in the hopes of finding a mature, healthy, well trained dog.

I’ve never seen myself as a “dog person,” but my knowledgeable daughter said I don’t have to be a “dog person” to love one dog. So one step at a time I explored the possibility of adopting a dog.

We looked online at numerous photos of dogs up for adoption and none looked good to me until I saw the last dog on the list, Penny. Her photos instantly made me smile and laugh. She’s adorable with a personality that shines bright like her golden fur.

I applied that night. The dog rescue called me the next day and I agreed to a two week trial period to make sure it’s a good fit. Before my daughter left, we were able to go meet the dog at the owner’s home. She’s a friendly, lovable, well trained dog, who was very excited to meet us. I took her for a walk with the owner. All went well.

So Sunday she’s coming to my home for a two week trial period. I’ve been busy getting supplies for her. I feel excited most of the time now. The only resistance happens when I wake up in the morning & wonder if I’m up to all this change. But once I’m up and around, an undeniable energy & excitement takes over.

A year ago, on April 5th I found my new home here in Oregon.

Now, a year later, on April 6th a lovable dog is coming to live with me.

Interesting how life flows, sometimes beyond my wildest dreams.

My heart is full of gratitude today. I’ve had many disappointments, heartbreak, and sorrows in my life, but somehow beauty and joy survive it all, like the beautiful pink cheery tree with blossoms that float like snow outside my window covering the ground with pink snow.

and the sweet anticipation of a dog coming to live with me soon.

Wish me well as I pursue this possibility with Penny the dog, my next new “leap of faith.”

P.S. As I publish this post tonight, Penny has been with me 2 days now and all is going well so far.

More later… 🐶