Oliver Blue Moon

My little dog, Oliver came into my life three years ago this month.  And when I first saw him, he was a little lost dog on a rescue website in St Petersburg.  His name was PeeWee,  named so because he was a tiny pound and a half.  But it wasn't him that I wanted, it was his big bother Brutus.  There was something about these pups.   On the web, they were called Schnauzer Poodle mixes.  My step father jokingly called them Schnoodles.  When I called the rescue clinic to express an interest in Brutus, the manager told be that it would be quite difficult for me to adopt one of the puppies.  They had 300 calls already on these three darlings.  I had no idea, but apparently Schnoodles are an actual breed, one that many people pay high dollar for.  But I could still not shake the idea that this dog was for me. I felt a connection with him, and I had not even met him yet. 

I devised a plan to get what I wanted. I created a top ten list, in the manner of David Letterman, about why my family should be chosen to adopt on of these puppies.  I sent her a picture of my family, and sliced a hole out, right next to our family cat, Spencer, to show that something is missing.  After much schmoozing, Jennifer decided to give us a dog.  But it wasn't Brutus, it was Peewee.

I was made to wait until the tiny puppies were out of their neutering surgery.  I was anxious that day, because Jennifer said she could not adopt them until it was sure they were going to make it through their surgery. I spent the whole day fretting about my new dog, that I have yet to meet.  My friends looked at me as if I were crazy to be so attached to a dog, that I had never seen in person.

Finally the day comes that I am to take my $250 to St Petersburg Petsmart and pick up the latest addition to my family.  Jennifer arrives with all three puppies in a cat carrier.  She hands me mine.  He is crying, and climbing his way up to my neck, needing a sense of security and stability.  It is then that I know that I am his mother. 

My little pound puppy ended up costing much more than $250.  The best food, all kinds of toys, cute little t-shirts began to add up quickly.  Not to mention that like any new mom, I was rushing him to the vet at every whimper. 

He has been riddled with health issues, but Oliver has brought me a joy that I can not explain.  His loyalty amazes me, his love is never ending and unconditional. I hope daily that I am providing him with a happy life, and that when he has to leave me, he waits for me in heaven.