Recognized

I went to petsmart today to pick up some calendars I ordered from a local foster program.  One of the women that run the organization recognized me from when I helped out at a few of their adoption events.  We got to talking about the fact that me and my husband are looking to adopt a dog.  She asked what I was looking for and suggested a few dogs on their website.  I  had looked at the site but quite frankly thought the fees were ridiculous.  (some dogs were $350)  She told me before I left that if I wanted one of their dogs, it was mine.  I'm not exactly sure what she meant by that but we may have her bring one or two of the dogs to petsmart within the next two weeks.  We already have an appointment with a shelter in plymouth for Thursday and I'd still like to take a look at their dogs before giving her a definite answer.  They know I would give a dog a good home.  I guess sometimes it pays to know so many people in rescue, too bad I don't know many in shelters.  Obviously, we have decided not to go with the humane society.  We had another run in with the vet there when we took August to meet the rotti.  We decided enough was enough and we don't need to be treated that way.  Maybe the next time we go to adopt a dog (YEARS from now since we will be up to four soon) we'll try there again and see how it goes.  For now, I can't stand to deal with that woman again.  The only reason I'm a little against going with this foster organization is because of several comments a guy made while I was up there about my choice to adopt a pit bull from the humane society.  He had the mentality that many have, all pits need to be put down.  I don't believe that.  I think you should always take caution no matter how long you've had the dog or how well you think you know them but I don't think they all need to be put to sleep.  They are aggressive dogs in all breeds.  At any rate I got my calendars and it's pretty cute considering how much (or little) I paid for them. 

Shelter

We went up to the humane society again today.  Mostly to see Anikin but partly to see if anyone else stood out.  Anikin was so happy to see us.  I hate that he can't come back home.  We found two dogs that Shawn liked.  (I like them all) One was a border collie mix and the other looked to be a pure breed rott.  He's always wanted a rottie so we're taking August up there tomorrow to meet her.  I think he's having second thoughts now though.  I may have had some part in that.  Once we got home I looked up common problems with rott's and what you should know before you adopt them.  I already knew they could be bullheaded but it's hard to explain that to someone when they just really want the dog.  Anyways, if he changes his mind about the rott, whose name is Junior and who we thought was a boy.  (that's what the cage card said) Then SHE rolled over and we both were kind of like where's your pee-pee.  She was super sweet but rott's make me nervous.  The border collie is a male named Sammy.  He looked very uncomfortable at the shelter.  I know he hasn't been there long since he wasn't there last weekend.  He never barked and the only time he got up was when one of the girls walked by with another dog.  I know I could train a border collie, whereas I'm not sure if I could a rott.  Anyways, we asked the girl that brought Junior back to the family room if there was anyway we could see how the dog does with one of the shelter cats or take the dog into the cat room. (they're all caged)  She went to ask and another girl came back and gave us a big speech about how there's no guarantee and that the dog could do great with the shelter cats and then come back and eat one of our cats.  I explained what happened with Anikin and told her we just wanted to see Junior's initial reaction to a cat.  She said she'd go get one of the office cats.  She came back and told us we needed to talk to the vet that works at the shelter.  The vet was quite frankly a condescending bitch.  She talked to all of us like we were children.  (my mother was even with us)  She said if we couldn't handle the responsibility of introducing the dog/cat then we shouldn't adopt a dog at all.  She just made me want to start crying because she made me feel like a terrible person for not trying harder with Anikin.  There was NO changing that dog.  Only someone with training and experience could teach that dog not to eat those cats.  I love that dog.  And she made it seem like we tossed him aside without another thought.  She also made it seem like we didn't consider our child in all of this.  I don't want this to seem like I'm saying not to adopt from there just because of one person who was lacking in tact.  Just about every shelter/rescue is going to have someone that needs some training in dealing with people.  Everyone else has been wonderful.  I guess I just needed to vent somewhere.  If you're looking for a dog, PLEASE consider the humane society first.  They are absolutely overflowing with dogs and cats.  If you can't take in anymore animals, you could always donate your time, money or supplies.  Every little bit helps.

sigh

I've been searching petfinder and other sites looking for signs of the perfect dog.  I'm by far not over Anikin.  We had him for a weekend but I think it'll take a long time before I stop crying over him.  We'll probably head back to the Humane Society next week or the week after.  I'll be up there tomorrow or Friday to visit with Anikin.  He was in holding for three days before anyone could adopt him or see him otherwise I would've been there sooner.  I should have pictures of him by the end of the weekend and I'll post them shortly after that.

Anikin

We adopted a dog on Friday, Anikin.  His cage tage said boxer/akita mix, he's quite obviously got pitbull in him.  He's a great dog.  He LOVES Jasmine, is good with our dogs, is great in the bathtub.  Everything would be perfect, if we didn't have cats.  We will be taking him back to the shelter tomorrow because he literally tried to eat one of my cats.  I feel like I've failed him and them.  When I worked at the shelter, I always felt like people had just given up on trying to help a dog, but there's no changing him.  He's completely obsessed with the cats.  I've only ever seen one dog more obsessed with something than he is, luckily that dog doesn't try and kill the things he's obsessed with.  (guinea pigs)  He's just such a great dog in EVERY other way.  I fell in love with him before we even got him home.  It will be extremely difficult to leave him tomorrow.  I wish there was some way to help him and keep him at the same time but I don't want to be responsible for one of my cats dying either. 

Pictures from July

I just got these pictures from July developed... we're a little behind on our developing...

blah

I'm doing something I said I would never do again.  I'm going shopping the day after Thanksgiving.  Yikes.  I'm not good in crowds.  I'm not good with people period.  I figured what the hell.  Can't beat 'em, join 'em.  I wasn't planning on going but my mom said she wanted to go for something that'll be on sale so why not.  Afterwards, me and Shawn are going to buy our first Christmas tree.  My uncle thinks it will die before Christmas.  It better not because I really don't want to have to take down all those decorations and put them back on another tree.

Oh and STOMP was great.  It was different from what I expected.  It was funny at some parts and they had the audience interact by clapping once and a while.  I never thought that rubber tubes could sound beautiful.

Stomp

Shawn and I are going to see STOMP tonight.  I've wanted to see it for years but have only recently talked my husband into being a little more cultural.  I would be more comfortable going in a long sleeve shirt, jeans and tennis shoes, at least physcially.  Mentally however, I would be critiquing my own outfit against those around me.  Normally, I don't care what others think of what I wear.  I'm fairly confident about myself and my appearance.  The only place I feel out of my element is at the theatre.  A few years ago, Shawn took me to see the orchestra on Valentine's day.  I had only been to the theatre on school trips at that time.  I had no idea what was expected of my attire.  I believe I wore jeans and a nice sweater.  After standing and waiting for the doors to open for about a half hour, a girl standing near me said I thought you were supposed to dress up for this thing.  I was mortified.  I felt like white trash.  I wanted to sink into a hole.  But I stuck it out and enjoyed the night a great deal.  I will never forget that girl's comment though.  (I'm not sure if it was about me or not but I FELT like it was) So I'll wear the stiletto's and the black pants if only a way to feel more comfortable before the lights go down for the show.