I have wanted my very own pet since the moment I left my parents’ lair (and even when I came back a few times… whoops!).

To my very own surprise, I actually waited until the right time to achieve that moment. Even I am slightly shocked that I didn’t come home with a dog the summer after freshman year or adopt a cat on a whim right after graduating college. About three times a week since hitting my 20s, I have perused Petfinder.com looking for the perfect pet. Problem was that I would find said pet 3 times a week as well, get obsessed, want to adopt them and then do a mental run through of my work schedule and my financial situation and sadly take a step back. I softened the internal blow by constantly telling myself: Once you get one that is yours, you will understand why none of these other pets worked. It will all work out.
Having spent my entire youth, teens, evenings, days, weekends loving animals with every inch of my soul, it was always my hope to extend that to a pet who reported directly to me sooner than later. I grew up early with cats (which I loved) and at the end of elementary school, dogs were finally introduced into our home life (which I loved, loved). Since then, I have wanted both under my own roof.

To my very own surprise, I actually waited until the right time to achieve that moment. Even I am slightly shocked that I didn’t come home with a dog the summer after freshman year or adopt a cat on a whim right after graduating college. About three times a week since hitting my 20s, I have perused Petfinder.com looking for the perfect pet. Problem was that I would find said pet 3 times a week as well, get obsessed, want to adopt them and then do a mental run through of my work schedule and my financial situation and sadly take a step back. I softened the internal blow by constantly telling myself: Once you get one that is yours, you will understand why none of these other pets worked. It will all work out.
And work out it did.
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Chandler - yes, named after THAT Chandler. If you know me, this is no surprise. |
But, it didn’t allow pets and when we first moved in, that bothered me as I felt ready for a cat. But, I sidelined it for a year or two.

The year (and the ‘two’) came and went and here we were again in a house we ‘loved’ which now seemed to be desperately missing a very special component: A pet. I begged The Boy to consider a move in the name of a pet but he hesitated due to the view we had and the fact that moving is the worst thing of all time. I relented. Then begged again. Then relented. Then begged again… this all went on for months.
Finally, two very crucial things happened:
1) I got a new job which placed me downtown (where we live) rather than the suburbs. This meant that I would have easier access to the dog throughout the day if need be. That is a huge help.
2) I found an apartment that he liked 5-blocks away. It was smaller but the building is brand new and our beloved view – while sad to lose- was replaced with a back patio that is spacious by downtown standards. And my outdoor-loving fiancé couldn’t argue that he was intrigued by that.

After I sold him on those two points, he agreed to shift our life in this way. We put in our notice, began packing and prepared ourselves for the move and then eventually down the line at some point, a pet.
Until one day soon after, our good friend group texted us with her husband regarding a post her Facebook friend had put-up. This friend was fostering two puppies who would be available 3/20- the very same weekend we were moving. She asked if we wanted her to ask the friend about them??? After looking at the pictures, I said YES, YES, YES.
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Yes, I still have not updated my iPhone system... and yes, this was the best group text chain of my life. The beginning of it all. |
1) The dog needed to come from a shelter: With all of the homeless, lovely, adorable animals sitting in shelters, I could never and would never consider buying (not judging you if you did by the way). Adopting one was just a personal decision that I had decided lonnnnnnggg ago.
2) The dog had to be big enough to eventually go running with The Boy as I figured that that is how he would bond with the pup on his daily 6-mileish runs.
3) The dog had to have a funny disposition.
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My wee lit'el family (said with a bad cockney accent) |
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Pictures from his ride home with us. These slay me. Looking out the window as he heads to his new life. |
Chores at home? Way better with him making me laugh (cept vacuuming and sweeping is a bit hard!)
Waking up early? So much better knowing I get to watch the sunrise on our morning walk.
Saturday morning? Perfect time for pet snuggles!
He makes me laugh, tests my patience (he likes to eat my clothes while I'm wearing them) and I just can’t imagine life without him. I’m so excited for the abundance of memories we will continue to make.
6 comments:
awww he's SUCH a cutie even though I'm more of a cat person myself I have to admit that he is adorable. You look so happy. Glad you were finally able to get your wish :)
xo
The Fashionista Bubble
He looks so full of life and fun indeed, moving does suck a ton, but seems all came together and now the pup is chewing away at your bay
I had no idea you had been so desirous of having a pet. I think it's wonderful that you got a rescue dog. I can see that your puppy is going to grow to be fairly large and quickly. That's always interesting for that year or so when they're still puppy-playful but full grown in size. I did love the look of the floor to ceiling glass and its views in your previous place but being close to work is a big help and the patio sounds nice. You and your fiance get outside a lot anyway, right? (I can't imagine doing a six mile run in an apartment). Happy May! Enjoy your new surroundings, walks with Chandler, and the upcoming installments of your newly engaged life!
http://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/
Good for you in getting a furry friend who was in need. It sounds like you all will be sleeping soundly with the addition to the family--and having that immediate access from work is a key as it was for us.
Enjoy your weekend Miss Caitlin.
What a wonderful story!! He is so so precious. So glad you waited til the perfect time :)
Awwwwwwwww!!! This is explaining me so much, but im in that horrible early 20s place where its just not the right time for a puppy yet :( Chandler is the cutest thing ever, you are soooo lucky!!!
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