Possible new family member??? - Day 1899 (Year 6, Day 73)

Zephyrills, FL

Ok, the argument since we started full timing 6 years ago, was whether or not to get a pet (we needed to re-home our 3 kitties as they were old and none of them would have been able to travel well).  For years, we've been literally "on the fence" -- one day thinking yes, it'll be great and other days thinking about all the reasons not to (particularly either for dogs not wanting to walk it in inclement weather and cats, not wanting to modify the trailer to accommodate a convenient place to put a litter box, plus the risk of having it claw up the furniture).  How much energy and dedication were we willing to invest in training?

 Nearly every day has been a struggle as to getting off the fence and deciding where we want to be.  Emotionally, we've desperately wanted a "fur baby" to join our family, but practically we've given ourselves lots of reasons why it wouldn't work.  We've been living vicariously through other people's pets.

With my arthritis problems and both of us needing much more exercise, we came to the conclusion that having a dog would FORCE us to go out for a walk at least 2-3 times a day.  Strong argument for the reasons to do so.  So we started researching (we want a rescue or a re-home, not from a breeder, puppy mill or retail store).  We had a criteria list a page long, including a dog that doesn't require a LOT of exercise (would be happy with 2-3 short walks a day) and that doesn't have a high energy level.

I found a Facebook group devoted to lost & found pets as well as pets that need new homes.  Someone contacted me almost immediately.  She has a shih-poo (cross of shih tzu and mini toy poodle) that needed a new home because she had a toddler and another one on the way and couldn't give it the attention it needed (she has it's parents as well).

This dog meets just about EVERY criteria on our LONG list.  So... on Sunday they are going to come here to meet us and to determine if they think we're a good match.  They really don't WANT to re-home it and are not in any rush to do so, but they know that it's important to do so since they can't give it the attention it needs (it's a very young couple with a 2 year old and another on the way).  They want to make sure it's going to the right and best home.

I know this will be such a home.  Question between now and Sunday is (and the question which is the reason we've been sitting on the fence for so long) is whether we are ready for the commitment of a pet.  I think we are.  "Where there's a will, there's a way."  For me, the greatest reason that's been holding me back for a dog is not wanting to take it out for a walk to do it's business in bad weather (far more reasons for a cat).

I truly think, after 6 years, that we're ready.  Can't wait until Sunday. Will post the results.  Fingers crossed that my next post will be an announcement of our new family member!

PS: here's a photo of "Butter Ball".  Feel free to Google "shih poo" for more photos and info on the breed: