Tuesday, September 18, 2007

LO's Newest Friend

Guess what we just got?


Direct from the Miami-Dade Animal Services, please meet the newest member of our household, Kelev. (For those of you who don't know, it's the Hebrew word for dog. And yes, it was LO's idea to name him this.)

LO had been asking for a dog for a long time and PHD and I finally decided it was time. We definitely wanted to rescue one from the pound rather than get one from a puppy mill or a breeder and so we set on a search to find a dog.

We wanted it to be a surprise so PHD went and picked Kelev up today while LO was at school. LO had no idea that we were planning this. When she came home she actually didn't notice the dog right away but as soon as she did she was jumping up and down with joy. She's so excited that we are lucky we were able to get her to go to bed tonight. B'ezrat Hashem this is just the start of a very wonderful friendship.

10 comments:

torontopearl said...

i saw your comment on facebook that you were looking at many puppies ... but didn't expect this.

he is adorable; you have to give us details of Kelev, ie. breed, age, past history, etc.

enjoy him -- he might get center stage in your blog in the coming days.

you picked him up on the 18th...a "mazeldik" day!

Jewish Deaf Motorcycling Dad said...

I'm so glad you got a shelter dog. When growing up, most of my dogs came from the shelter (or references from the shelter). There are so many good dogs out there who need a home.

Plus it sounds like you did your homework first. My wife's friend just got a dog (from a pet store) for her kids because they kept asking for one, but it was an impulse decision, she called me asking for advice on how to housebreak, how often the dog should be walked, what kind of food to feed it, is it okay to pick up ( Chihuahua), etc. Signs to me that this was not a well thought out plan. She's in the midst of a nasty divorce case, and I have a feeling that a lot of the impulse came from wanting to be the "good parent" to her kids desires.

Anyway, Kelev is a beauty. He actually looks exactly like a white copy of my parents' current dog. He's so black that it's hard to take a good picture of him without strong lighting. A definite mix-breed, but there's some terrier in him.

When my kids get older, I'm hoping we can adopt a dog as well. I'm looking forward to LO/Kelev stories!

Another meshugannah mommy said...

Bwaaa! Welcome to the club!

We'll have to bring Teddy to Florida for a playdate!

RaggedyMom said...

You're so brave! Enjoy him!

Jendeis said...

Congratulations on the newest addition to your family. He looks great! I'm so glad that you adopted a shelter dog. The Boy was rescued by the Washington DC shelter and things have worked out great with us!

Mazel Tov!

Jessica said...

How awesome! Both he and LO look thrilled! Mazel tov on the new addition to the family!

Anonymous said...

Good luck with you new hound. Hopefullly he/she is housebroken, you wouldn't want him/her pooping on your pisher. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Oh what joys you are in for. The shedding seasons (at least 2 a year) in which white hair will be everywhere you don't want it to be (hint:buy lots of light-colored clothing - it shows the hair less. Also have lots of sticky-rollers on hand everywhere); the doggie smell, requiring constant trips to the groomer; the "accidents" (both #1 and #2),sometimes of the "loose" variety; the enormous vet bills; the need for walking, even when the weather is awful; the barking; the chewing (hint: hide your favorite shoes); the doggie "drool;" the times when he gets out and runs away, hiding as you search the neighborhood for hours; the need to feed constantly, on food both canine and human. And, of course, the pain you will have when he passes on before you do, which is inevitable. But you know what? It's all worth it. You have a new friend and family member for life (his). Treat him like a new child who will be 2 forever, because that's what he is. Full of love, and joy whenever he sees you. It's not easy, but it's a great experience. We hope you will enjoy it. Good luck.

orieyenta said...

Pearl - neither did I! It happened so QUICKLY. He's some sort of Poodle mix (which means he probably won't shed much!) and is 11 months. He was relinquished by his previous owner to the shelter. They had no idea why and I keep wondering why someone would give up this nice little dog. The worst we see so far is that he ALWAYS wants to be with one of us. If that's the worst, I am certainly not complaining. (Oh wait - and he doesn't like CHEAP dog food - LOL.)

JDMD - I'm with you...there are so many dogs out there who need a home. I can't imagine getting a pet any other way than from a shelter or a rescue group.

AMM - I thought about you guys when we got him because I remembered that you guys had just gotten Teddy. I hope the kids are having as much fun with him as we are having with Kelev.

RM - I'm the brave one? You're the one with THREE kids!

Jack, Jendeis, and Jessica - thanks :)

Anon1 - He seems to be housebroken. (keinahorra!) So far so good.

Anon2 - I agreee - totally worth it.

Jacob Da Jew said...

How cute!

Looks like a keeper.