I told my vet that I was thinking of getting a small dog, change of pace for me, a learning opportunity, and yes, something to love, write about and photograph. I believe that when you open up to the idea of a dog, one either appears or one does not. This morning, my vet called me up and said a local breeder was there with her new litter of Boston Terrier puppies. All had been sold but one, and his temporary name was Leroy.

Maria was out getting a message, I was home alone, I went rocketing down to the vet and met the breeder, who was very nice. Leroy is the only dog left in the litter, Dr. Fariello says the dogs are healthy and the line is strong, the dogs have  wonderful temperament. I am thinking therapy dog all of the way.

I am not, of course, sure about betting another dog right now. We have lots going on in our lives, but I have paid the mortgage writing about dogs for some time now, and getting a dog is a momentous personal and creative affirmation for me. I just want to be patient, careful and thoughtful about it.

Leroy is a little over two weeks old, he won’t be available to leave the litter until July.

Maria hasn’t seen Leroy yet, and my daughter Emma and Robin are arriving today, perhaps we will all go and see him together tonight or tomorrow.  I am drawn to the idea of the Boston Terrier, they have great warmth, energy and spirit, not unlike Fate. They are house dogs, but they need lots of activity and stimulation, and so do I, and with two border collies in the house, that will not be a problem.

I have to think about this. I’ve been researching the breed for some months, and I think I know what is expected of me, what they require. They can make wonderful therapy dogs, they love children and people and animals. That sounds right for us. But Maria has to go along with it (please! Maria turning down a puppy?)

I love training dogs, socializing them, learning from them. But my life is pretty full right now. I’ll share my thought process for sure. This is turning out to be a wilder weekend than I imagined – Robin coming, the refugee kids arriving Saturday, now Leroy hovering overhead.

Being alive is the meaning.

I liked the breeder, she seems to know her stuff, but I am also experienced enough to know not to make any such decision while meeting a cute puppy. Leroy is only a few weeks old, but I have to decide in the next few days whether or not to put a deposit down on him.

I will, of course, share the experience. I can’t wait to show Maria this photo when she gets home. I think if she were with me, it would already be a done deal.