I have very definitively said that we are a good family of four. All along we’ve known that we’d be a family of four + one and the “plus one” would be a dog. When we lived in Brighton, we longed for a Coon Hound. We’d already named her Ellie (a female version of Elvis). We talked about all the places we’d take her. Then we met an amazing little spirited Chessie, Tequila, and though she was not with this world for long, she made an indelible impression on us, as did her successor Buoy. So we added an imaginary male Chessie, Brighton, to our conversations. In the next four years we moved, had another baby, left jobs, started new ones and after months of potty training training and wiping bums, we thought maybe we should wait a little longer before we had to scoop any more poop.
During this time I started following some rescue groups on Facebook. We started chit-chatting about the Myopia hounds. Still, not really the right time. But then I saw a listing for three male Chessies, possibly pure bred, found wandering down the street in South Carolina. We filled out the application. Who knows. Ten days later, no one had claimed them. Still, who knows. But we got to thinking… yes, our life is hectic. But when will it not be? Yes, our kids are little. But that also means we are way less scheduled then we’ll be in a year when they are less little (it also means that I am home with them two days a week). Yes, we work a lot. But we work from home most of the time, and my new studio (more on that later) is dog friendly when sessions are not in progress. We live in a great town, on a road with a river, and we have an acre. Why not?
And so Sunday morning, the lovely pups made their way to Topsfield, via some incredibly loving and caring people that helped to make it all happen: Heather, from New England Lab Rescue; Laura, the amazing driver who brought them to us; Terri Lee, such a good friend and confidante and protector of those who cannot protect themselves; Jen, who listens to everything I say and worry about, and Lyne, who selflessly agreed to foster the two brothers that we didn’t adopt.
Yes, I was gunning for two dogs, hell, three… no, we didn’t get more than one. It was a tough decision, but in truth, the very minute that I laid eyes on “Big Lumpy,” I knew that he was the boy for us. He was the biggest (perhaps tracking to over 80 lbs), the calmest, and the hairiest. He is a love. And so our “plus one” is here: Brighton Fudgie McNugget Big Lumpy Young.
If you happen to know anyone that knows about the Chessie breed and is looking to adopt a smart, active and wonderful 5-7 month old male, please email me for details… the brothers are still available and up for adoption.
[Brighton is wearing a red leash and a brown or red collar... the other two in blue and green are available].
[blogshow id=8b52 player=1 autoplay=0 toolbar=1]
Awww..congratulations! He is beautiful. So exciting & so wonderful. I hope the 2 brothers are as lucky to find such a great home.
Congrats on your new addition! He is CUTE!!!