and a few other pet related things...because we're getting a DOG tomorrow.
And you have no idea how excited my children are. I got home from Wal*mart tonight and went to tuck the girls in, and Sarah said it was kinda like trying to go to sleep on Christmas Eve.
So here's the scoop. I got home with the kids this afternoon and sat down to check my email. I recently discovered Freecycle. It's much like Craigslist, only better because everything is FREE! In my inbox was a Freecycle offer for a one-year-old Beagle. Purebred, house-trained, and great with kids. 100% free. John happened to call while I was online, and gave me the go-ahead to reply to the offer. Long story (very) short is that we're going to pick up Jack tomorrow after school.
Jack's owner is a 13-year-old girl named Abigail. Abigail is one of 10 children, and Jack is one of several dogs that lives on their family's farm. Abigail's father called me and asked me several questions that Abigail had written down for him. Do we have a yard? A fence? Would someone be at home with Jack during the day? etc. He told me they had a few more interested parties, but he'd talk to them, then talk it over with Abigail and let her decide. She called me back a little while later and told me she wanted us to have it.
We told the kids after we found out, and let me tell you there was much rejoicing. They had NO idea. I wish I had video-taped their reaction because there is no way to recreate the sheer joy on their faces. It was a gift to their parents' hearts.
John and I have been praying about a dog since August. Praying that we'd find the right dog for us, one that needed John, Meredith, Will, Sarah, and Abbey. I've gotta tell you that though this all happened very quickly, it feels so right. Abigail's dad emailed me directions to their farm, and at the bottom of his email he had all his contact info including their family website. I visited their site and wasn't one bit surprised to learn that they are a family that know and love Jesus. I'm certain that God's hand was in all of this today, and we can't wait to meet Jack and their family tomorrow afternoon.
If you think about it, would you pray for them tomorrow, especially Abigail? I can only imagine that saying good-bye to beloved pet isn't going to be easy. And pray for us, because it's been a long, long, long time since we've had a dog.
**Remember the dog list my kids made this summer? Check out choice #2!
10 comments:
YEAH!!! Big big news indeed my Blase friends. I'm so excited for you and will be in prayer as you add Jack to your family. Tis neat hearing how everything just melded together. Will pray for Abigail too. Methinks that in addition to adding a dog to your family that your circle of friends has been enlarged as well.
Mer,
That is so awesome! I love stories like that, and well remember the day we got our golden retriever, Missy, also from a family who was unable to keep her.
I hope it's a great match--have fun!
Yay! I'm so excited for you! I can't wait to see pictures. What are you going to name him? Will you keep the name he comes with?
So fun!
Oh and my favorite Carols:
Traditional - O Holy Night, because I love the story of the shepherds .....did you know there are three versions of this song?
Classic - Winter Wonderland -which is funny because I've only experienced one white Christmas in my entire life.
Contemporary - What's the one that says something like "that was such a strange way to save the world"? I like that one.
Hooray, hooray, hooray!
And Daisy says "woof woof!" She's 100 percent behind your decision.
I'll be praying for sweet Abigail today.
Joanne
This sets the tone for a wonderful Christmas season, I'm thinking! What a great thing, the way God worked it out. But Abigail will see how happy your kids are over Jack, and that will ease her heartache just a bit, I'm sure.
Merry Christmas to the Blase family and Jack, just a bit early. ;o)
Love and hugs,
Diane
How exciting and what a neat story! I hope ya'll will love your dog as much as we love ours! They sure bring a lot of happiness to a home! (especially when they are already potty trained! ha)
That is wonderful! You guys will have a blast and hope to see some photos soon. Congrats on your new arrival;)
Hi Meredith!
We have a 2-year-old Beagle named Daisy. She is the sweetest dog that ever lived. We gave her to the kids for Christmas with a bow on her collar. I've never seen anyone more thrilled.
We chose her because, really, who has ever heard of a child being mauled by a Beagle? The temperament is perfect - I know you will love each other! :)
I am a friend of Leah @ Sweet Tea and I check out your blog from time to time. I had to leave a comment on this post b/c my boys want a dog so bad. We are trying to soften up dad - we are almost there. But when he gives us the go ahead we are going to get a beagle. I will be watching your blog to see how your adventure goes with the new addition to your family! Congrats!
We had a beagle when I was a kid. He was also free. If I remember right the dad of one of my brother's friends had a male and female for hunting. They gave us one from their litter. Barney B. Beagle. He was a sweet natured dog. But he could dig. He dug up the whole backyard following mole tunnels!
Enjoy your Jack.
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