February 22, 2010
My grandson is being born today. My son just called to say Jaynee is in active labor and we should have a baby sometime this evening. It's hard to believe my Mom died exactly one week ago. The circle of life has never been more apparent to me than now. I wonder if these two souls are meeting in the middle of the matrix as they take their journey to opposite poles of existence.
As I'm scurrying around to get chores done prior to the call to come meet our newest family member, an utter surprise is being delivered. My husband comes through the door and instead of his usual "Hellooooo" I hear, "Honey, remember when you said the only time we could have another dog is if God delivers one to our doorstep?"
I hear him, but I'm not processing the question. I turn the corner into the kitchen and there curled up in his arms is a brown fur ball with big hazel eyes looking cold and scared.
Joe tells me he spied the little thing while coming down our driveway - cuddled up under a tree. It's cold by Florida standards today. Joe gets out of the car and calls to him. The puppy trots right over to him. About the same time, Joe sees a big dog from the other side of the fence racing towards him. Not taking any chances with what just might be a highly protective mama dog, Joe runs into the garage and hops up onto my car. Upon closer inspection, this older dog doesn't look like like a mom, in fact the sex of the dog would make it impossible. So Joe closes the garage door and enters the house.
When I take the puppy into my arms, it's like instant love as my nurturing instincts turn into high gear. I set the puppy down to get a good look. He has no collar or tag, he's definitely a boy, he's cute as a button and as sweet as a Hershey's Kiss and the same color too. Joe thinks he has pit bull in him. He looks all lab to me.
The conversation moves to what do with the little guy. Joe says, "Well, if he does have pit bull in him, we can't keep him! I wouldn't feel safe having him around the baby." I lift my eyes off my new found love and reply, "You better make your mind up fast cause I'm bonding with this little dude!"
Of course there's the ethics of just keeping him. Joe and I talk about situational ethics all the time. The ethical thing to do is put an ad in the paper and call the local Animal Lost and Found hotline. I ask, "When should we do this?" Joe says, "When we get back from Utah".
"UTAH!!! That's what we should call him!", I proclaim. And Utah he is.
We decided to keep our eyes combed for lost puppy ads. So much for situational ethics.
What a day!! It turns out our grandson is in no hurry to make his debut. By the time he is born, both Mom and Dad are exhausted and asked that we wait to come in the morning. So, Joe and I take Utah to the local pet store for some essentials.
I'll keep you posted on our new family that grew by 2 in one day.
