Another critter has been on my mind for a while now.  Last year I was a big advocate that "if you were thinking about a pet the pandemic was a great time to do it".  Having just lost Dani last year and Avery being as young as she is, I wasn't ready.  Maybe Avery is still too young and it is better to wait.  Maybe that's what the universe is trying to tell me - instead, I have to admit instead it is making me feel unworthy.

The first dog I reached out to learn more about was met with a "sorry, already adopted" message.  Ok, that's good news.  The second and third I filled out an adoption application and reached out concurrently indicating that I filled out the application to be respectful and to demonstrate I was serious, but that I had a few questions about the dog and the rescue.  Neither answered until I messaged again.  The second was effectively another "already adopted" message and the third really hurt my feelings (even after I looked into the rescue further online and saw that the person running it seems to be nasty with and judgmental of everyone that applies).  The response, if you care, was indicating that my training methods were "out of date" and that hence they wouldn't be proceeding with my application.  As I responded to them - it has been 12 years since I welcomed a new pet into my house.  Ultimately, you shouldn't be working rescue if you're not willing to have a dialog with people.  If you had talked with me you would have seen that I was open to recommendations and maybe you would have had a different view.  The extra crappy thing is - this dog was spot on to what I was looking for in several ways.

It's been a few weeks.  I've been thinking.  Avery wants a cat - I mean, as much as any almost 4 year old has a clue what they want.  I have had allergy issues in the past and I've never lived with a cat.  I can't deal with things being knocked over and walking on the counters etc, so maybe it isn't an option at all, but I admit I have looked around and pondered if I could live with a cat.  Bigger question - can Saffy live with a cat?  I know Dani couldn't have.  How I determine if Saffy would be okay with it is beyond me.

I'm not trying to rush and I do believe in finding the right pet.  So this past weekend I thought Avery and I would stop after swim practice at a local rescue that has both dogs and cats to meet a few that piqued my interest, to see how they interacted with Avery (and vice versa), and to talk to them a bit.  Adoring rescue groups I went with a few things to donate.  Note that their website was updated to indicate as of June 1 their hours are 9am-3pm Sat and Sunday.  It also indicates that the adoption process is to 1 come visit the facility, 2 complete an application, ... etc.

Yeah, that didn't go well.  A woman outside of the dog building indicated they were too busy and wouldn't have anything suitable for a young child anyhow.  Uh, ok.  Sinking feeling.  The woman bringing things into the cat building was more accommodating and at least allowed us in to see a few of the cats in their cages.  She was also willing to have a dialog with me, but the whole thing just left me a bit in the dumps about the whole thing.

I may need/want for the local shelter to have a Siberian and apply.  They expect you to note which dog you're applying for and the best family will be selected.  I have a funny feeling everyone will say 'no kids' on a Siberian, so maybe the decision is made for me.

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Ok, on to something less depressing... the swing set is here - being put together as I type.  I can't wait to see her face.