November 23, 2008

costly

A relative of mine just started Frugal and Happy blog . Reading her posts made me think back to when I got my Isabella.

My heart was breaking because I had to give Dot back her cat and TT and I would have no pets to complete our home. Life is too serious without the diversion of pets and children whose daily dailies of feeding, pottying, bathing, playing, teaching and snuggling bring so many moments of silly joy.

I had to take into account our allergies and that TT is not going to take anyone for a run around the neighborhood for exercise! My search for the perfect pet was soon narrowed to Bichons, Poodles or ShihTzus.

I wanted a teeny dog, a little baby that I could easily scoop up without straining my back, a traveling companion. I spent a lot of time on the internet, searching for her.

My friends, who knew I had had several failed relationships with dogs, thought I had lost my mind! I secretly did too! I faced that I had gotten past dogs for the wrong reasons.

Good thing all this started two years ago before the financial world was collapsing! Isabella was crazy expensive. Then she needed the $1000 eye surgery within one month. And there were several expensive follow up appointments.

She was so tiny it was sobering. Remember she weighed only one pound and two ounces the day we brought her home. I looked up to the Lord who had made her and vowed to nurture her and care for her as I never had any other dog. I made her needs mine, instead of the other way around. I wanted to assure her, every moment that she was in a safe place of love.

The result? As I write, she is asleep in my lap. She loves me and TT and is an absolute joy. She understands nearly everything I say to her. Of course, she does not always listen!! She is two years old, so that means she is a forteen year old! Hahaha!!

I would eat beans and crackers so that she would have her food, if neccessary. In other people's minds, I suppose she was a huge waste of money. But, to TT and I, we don't even remember writing the check!