Happy Birthday Frankie

I have been looking for months for the perfect dog.  Looking at breed like Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, even Maltese.  Specifically, I was looking for a small dog that would be mostly a lap dog.  I don't have a fenced yard and can't let the doggie run free.  I wanted a gentle friendly breed.  And I wanted low shedding, hypo-allergenic.  I watched the web sites for all the shelter, rescues and Humane Society.  Whenever I saw a good possibility, I hesitated too long and the pup was gone to another home.

Then yesterday, on the Humane Society web page, I saw Frankie.  He is part Bedlington Terrier and part Toy Poodle.  Just 12 pounds.  Two years old.  I didn't know anything about Bedlingtons, but my research told me he was much like the Bichon Frise I'd been looking for.  My commitments yesterday kept me from getting to see him.  I thought for sure he would be gone.

He was still on the website this morning.  But there was an adoption event going on at the Petcos around town. What if they sent him to one of a dozen Petco locations around town?!  Petco opens at 9, the Humane Society opens at 10.  I tried and then gave up calling individual Petcos and headed straight to the Humane Society, arriving a half hour before they opened.  The parking lot was filling up.  I was sure everyone there wanted Frankie.

When the doors opened, I was the first one through.  And joy!  Frankie was still there.  The rest is history, as they say.

Frankie has come to live with me.  He has met all the family.  He is so adorable and friendly.  And quiet!  In fact, maybe too quiet.  I've had him over 12 hours and he has yet to bark.  He loves everyone he meets.  He sits on my lap and cuddles up.  He is a very smart breed and already understands things that I say to him.  He is not house broken, which might be the reason he wasn't yet adopted.  It's hard for families with working parents to potty train a dog.  But since I'm here all the time, it will be fairly easy for me.  In fact, he already went outside.  He needs a grooming, and my neighbor across the street was just certified as a dog groomer and will be opening her own business.  So Monday he will get all bathed and trimmed..

I have a loveable little housemate.  It's responsibility and pleasure.  I feel so lucky to have Frankie.  Here he is at the Humane Society just after adoption.