My new best friend

[labontefan]

As some of you may remember from a previous post, I had to have Bitsy, my 13-year old beagle mix, put to sleep back in August. With Bitsy gone, I was without a furry friend for the first time in over 20 years. Since I live by myself, Bitsy's loss sure made the house seem empty.

I definitely wanted to get another dog, so I started searching on Petfinder. I decided to wait till after my long racing/camping vacation in October to try and adopt a new dog. Also I had family visiting from out of town right after I got back. So early in November I started looking seriously.

I had seen a beagle mix that was cute--reminded me a little of Bitsy. She'd been on Petfinder for a long time and I decided if she was still there when I got ready to adopt, she was a definite possibility. She was still there so I emailed about her. And found out she had been adopted the day before I emailed!

Then I saw a poodle/Shih-Tzu mix I liked and emailed about her. She was still available but she had come into the shelter with another dog. They had been raised together and the shelter wanted to place them together. I didn't think I was quite ready for two dogs so I passed on her.

Started looking again and saw this cute little cockapoo named Candy in a rescue just about an hour away. She was a new listing and caught my attention because I used to have a cockapoo named Candy (except I spelled it Candie to be different). I emailed the rescue and got an answer from the girl who operated the rescue in about 30 minutes. The dog was available and sounded like a great dog. She had belonged to an elderly lady who wasn't able to care for her anymore. Her fur had gotten very matted so they had to clip her really short.

After several more emails and a lengthy phone call, I made arrangements to meet Michelle (the girl who operates the rescue) and Candy. I decided I liked the dog and Michelle decided I looked like a good dog person so Candy came home with me!

She's had a couple of visits to the vet to bring all her shots up to date, get her FrontLine and HeartGard, and finally to get spayed. (She's 2 1/2 and still hadn't been spayed!)

I decided she needed her own name so she wouldn't be the "new" Candy or the "other" Candy. After a lot of thought, I came up with the name Molly. For some reason, an old Debbie Reynolds musical named "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" kept popping into my head. Debbie Reynolds was usually perky and upbeat in her movies, and Molly has such a sweet, cheerful, "unsinkable" personality. So Miss Molly Brown is my new best buddy.

She travels well (which is good) and I'm hoping she'll enjoy camping too!

Sorry to be so long winded, but I'm so excited about my new baby! Take a look:

http://community.webshots.com/album/228236365lmsBdg

[jpreiser]

Wow she looks like a great dog. we adopted our last dog from pet finder, best dog we have ever owned....

[tlhdoc]

I am glad you found a new dog.  Good luck with her.

[OC Campers]

What a beautiful little girl.  Congratulations.  Hope you have many happy years with her.

Jacqui

[copcarguy]

Hey labontefan - congrats on your new baby!

We found our new "furbaby" Sabrina through PUT back in June...  She is just the best camping friend we have.  She has such a good soul.  I hope you can make many good memories with your new baby.

[vjm1639]

Ann, that is so exciting! I'm glad you found a new friend to camp with!  There's nothing like having our furry kids along!  

[Fishin BC]

Here's to you and Molly!  Have a great New Year!  Aren't rescues the best!?

[Beer Belly]

Shes a cutie.....seems like she knows she is home.

[dee106]

she's looks great! and they don't shed so thats a big plus, and i won't sneeze petting her! many happy snuzzles!

[skippy102162]

We also adopted ours through Pet Finder.  She's a yellow lab--best family dog ever!