Reasons we had to get a dog

Today, we adopted a new dog.  Why?

• The pain from losing our Annie is still deep. There's a huge void in our hearts.  A new canine in our family is sure to cheer us up a bit!
• We need the loyal, dependable, eager companionship of an active dog. (Great motivation to get out and walk or run everyday!)
• The kids have "jobs" that relate to dog care - and every day that went by where we didn't have to talk about whose "turn" is to let the dog out of the kennel when we get home from places reminded us painfully of our missing companion.
• I like having the protective company when Rich is working late or has to go out of town for work.
• I don't like to go for walks alone - the company of a dog makes me feel safe.
• When we met this dog at Wayside Waifs today, everything in my heart and soul said GET HIM! YOU WANT HIM! HE MUST BE YOURS TODAY!  (hehe)
• When we first saw him at the pound, he just laid there and looked up at us. No barking. No jumping. No overly anxious excitement.
• When we had a "visit" with him in a large room with the kids, he let us love on her and he was very calm, cool, and collected. He did not jump up on the kids or run around the playyard frantically.
• He is very good on a leash - hardly pulling at all and easy to correct.
• We have a very large, fenced in backyard that is now double-triple-quadruple secured. *sniff* What happened to Annie Dog will NEVER happen again.

Pictures of our new dog, Mister Eko, will be posted shortly!  Stay tuned!!!