What could she possibly have in store for us today? This Lorna person is full of surprises.

What could she possibly have in store for us today? This Lorna person is an unpredictabully.

It had to happen.

I should have known never to say never.

What can I say? (Except not never?)

I’m just a gal who can’t resist unconditional love.

How many time do I have ta tell ya? I love ya, all right? No, whacha call it, conditions. Just make sure you keep these here pillow fluffed up good, okay? And how 'bout some Fig Newtons and milk? On the double, Baby...

How many time do I have ta tell ya, Baby? I love ya, all right? No, whatcha call it, conditions. Just make sure you keep these here pillows fluffed up good, okay? And how ’bout some Fig Newtons and milk? On the double, Baby.

Since I was 18 (I’m now 58), I’ve had at least one puppy-pal sharing my life.

Mr. Scrappy died in January and, since so much had already changed in my life, I thought I’d give doglessness a try.

How could she ever replace me? I mean, really?

How could she ever replace me? I mean, really?

And try I did.

  • No more multiple daily walks armed with poop bags.
  • No more worrying about dog-sitters when I left town.
  • No more watching the clock if I was running errands because I didn’t want to mess up the dog’s schedule.
  • No more crazy-happy jump-up-and-down soul to greet me when I came home.
  • No one to follow me around, making me feel as if I was the most fascinating person on the planet.
  • No one to teach silly tricks to.

I knew doglessness wasn’t working out for me when, while walking, I paid so much attention to other people’s dogs that those other people began to avoid me. I think they were concerned that I was the canine equivalent of a child molester. Not good.

What a nice dog! I really like your dog! Can I bond with your dog? I really miss my dog. Your dog is so sweet...

What a nice dog! I really like your dog! Can I bond with your dog? I really miss my dog. Your dog is so sweet…

So I had to find me a puppy love of my own.

Every pal I’ve ever had has been a rescue. All were over a year old. That means they all came with baggage. Some with baggage bulkier than others, but all had issues.

For me the joy is being part of the transformation from a pup with luggage to a well-adjusted pal.

In early November, I found a guy who is a permanent and perfect addition to my home.

Taken the day I brought him home.

Taken the day I brought him home.

He’s different from any dog I’ve ever adopted.

He’s young–about a year old. But, in his mind, he’s very much a puppy. He’s the bounciest, silliest, goofiest guy I’ve ever known. He’s a terrier mix, but I believe that he’s part Tigger.

Yup. Definitely part Tigger.

Yup. Definitely part Tigger.

He’s the smallest dog I’ve ever had–weighing only about 22 pounds.

Because of his size, he’s the best lap dog I’ve ever known. He’s a pure cuddle bug (when he’s not bouncing around chasing or chewing on a toy).

He’s a stray from California. I’ve never known a California guy before. Are they all this loveable and goofy?

Playing with one of his many new toys.

Playing with one of his many new toys.

We’re in the process of learning basic manners. I’m happy to report that he’s a quick study.

I’m taking longer walks now–even though it’s now the rainy season–and loving it. Poop bags? Bring ’em on!

We recently went on a hike around Pitlock Mansion in Portland.

We recently went on a hike around Pittock Mansion in Portland.

Life feels good again. I have a reason to get up and get going. And I laugh A LOT more these days.

Oh, yeah, the shelter in Portland named him Tumbleweed. The name just didn’t seem right, and they only had been calling him that for a week, so I named him Fozzie.

Doesn't he look more like a Fozzie Bear than a Tumbleweed?

Doesn’t he look more like a Fozzie Bear than a Tumbleweed?

Most people want to call him Fonzie. Whatever. He comes when he’s called and that’s what matters!

You can call me Fonzie if you like. Hey, just call me and I'll come a running! I don't want to miss any fun!

You can call me Fonzie if you like. Hey, just call me and I’ll come a running! I don’t want to miss any fun!

So how about you? Anyone or anything adorable come into your life lately?
I hope so!