Here’s Looking At You Kid!

There were just a few hours left to 2023 and the certainty of any new canine joining my family was still in limbo.

After a tough year of losing my beloved lab Stanley and the tumultuous, topsy-turvy world of online dog dating and its disappointments, I was emotionally exhausted.

It had left me doubting that this latest dog deal would come through.

My Secret Santa

My Secret Santa -Stanley Christmas 2022

Christmas was filled with a welcome and hopeful surprise that made it clear that heavenly Stanley had been writing to Santa Claus at The North Pole asking for a new brother. On Christmas Eve Santa delivered the first part of his present- sitting under my tree was an adoption contract for Stanley’s new sibling.

Somewhere in Louisiana, another lab got a Christmas present too- a brand-new forever home.

All that remained was a home visit to finalize the adoption.

Not leaving anything to chance or an awkward, shaky, iPhone Facetime house tour, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I spent all of Christmas day and night creating a video that showed not only my home but the life a dog would enjoy living with me. I hoped it sealed the deal.

I prepared for this interview with as much care and effort as though it were a high-powered job interview.

Drawing on my background in theatre I  practiced “hitting my mark,” placing blue tape on the floor so that my image and voice appeared just right on the screen as I sat precisely on my couch. Once the hour interview was over, fielding questions like a pro, I was pretty sure I aced it, coming across as a good dog Mom.

The interviewer had to file her report and assured me I would hear back later that day.

The Big Wait

I waited nervously for the final thumbs-up.

But for over 24 hours there were crickets.

As New Year’s Eve progressed I checked and rechecked my email, as I paced the house like a jittery expectant parent, waiting for the news as the sounds of early celebration in Times Square were broadcast in the background.

I wasn’t ready to celebrate, just yet. Imaginary red flags in my adoption eligibility popped up in my Walter Middy imagination, as my heart was beginning to sink. I began tentatively scrolling through multiple texts from other rescue agencies who have been sending me pictures of other needy dogs.

Then with just hours to spare on the last day of the year, I got the news I was waiting for.

And just like that, I had cause to celebrate the beginning of 2024.

I’m going to be a new dog mom!

Stanley will have a new kid brother when a sweet labrador retriever joins my pack at the beginning of the new year.

I could not have written this Frank Capra script any better. Nor a better way to start the new year.

Happy New Year everyone!