We're going at it like a couple of empty nesters who make a conscious effort to pretend to each other every day that we don't miss our daughters.
We have her crate, food bowls and stand, leash, collar, name tag, crate liner, waste bags, collapsible water bowl, puppy pads, toys, a bunny-and-egg bandana for her to wear to the family Easter Egg hunt next month, and the three top books on Amazon.com for Labrador Retriever training.
The fact that she lives halfway across the state and we won't even meet her for another 16 days has done nothing to daunt the giddy new parents. Everyone we know has seen her first few baby pictures and the smart ones have gushed appropriately.
The cats seem to eye each new possession with disdain. Something is up and they are pretty sure it's going to interfere with their respective routines. Little do they know.
Duchess Lilian of Snows (Lily)is already betrothed to Jimbo and Cheryl's "Duke" -pending their hip and eye exams at age two. If only the process was so simple with our other girls.
Jim and Karen's "Daley" is signed up for Big Brother duty... as a Golden Retriever larger than most home appliances he is emminently qualified for the "big" part.
Mary and Howard have accepted the role of godparents. I know I can depend on Mary to make sure she gets to the pet blessings.
This morning Jilian-at-work, a fellow downtowner, volunteered to dog sit just on the basis of her latest picture (OK, and maybe because Jilian is also a really nice person).
Puppies have that effect on people, better than chocolate and none of the calories. Fact is, we're counting on her to help burn a lot of calories as her need for exercise will drag us right along.
Our children are in their 20s and this is not the first dog we've raised, but somehow everything is new again. Sleepness nights, "surprises" and the masticated destruction of at least one irreplacable item are just around the corner -- we can't wait.
That's just the way it is with puppies. Especially Lily.



Copyright 2006 Judi Griggs