When Lily passed away earlier this month, we had no intentions of finding another dog. We have talked about maybe looking in the spring for another big dog. As Happy gets older, we like the idea of having another big dog around. The breeds we have talked about are ones that would make someone think twice such as a German Shepard, Matt grew up with a German Shepard. Thus, we feel it important to find a young dog that can grow with our family and a dog that does not have too much history. However, I am not one for purchasing a dog from a breeder when there are SO many unwanted animals waiting for homes.
Well, this past week I decided to help my mom bring a food donation to the animal shelter where we adopted Lily. It made me feel bad to see all the dogs waiting for homes, but I didn't feel an impulse to bring any home UNTIL I saw a young German Shepard at the end of the row of cages. After inquiring about him, I learned he had just been brought in and they knew very little about him. The kids and I played with him for a few minutes, but we left. After thinking about him and discussing it with Matt we went and visited him again. The kids played with him for awhile and needless to say we brought him home.
We named him 'Volto', Finnish for 'ruler/leader'. The kids & I brought him home and I made them wait in the car while I introduced him to Happy. Needless to say that was as eventful as a fireworks show without fireworks. They sniffed each other and started to play. Despite the lack of fireworks, we are going to take it slow with Volto. Maybe even enroll in obedience classes. With Max & Happy as our old dogs Volto is low man on the totem pole and we want him to be well mannered and disciplined.
I know some feel like it is too soon. I feel that way too. However, I feel like something made this happen.
We pray we have many happy years with Volto, far more than we shared with Miss Lily.
Playing ball.
Max the curmudgeon! Little does he know NO one could replace him!
