Family Now Complete by Suzanne Rossi

Hi everyone.

For the past year, you all have been listening to me about our adventures in moving and renovation. Happy to say that now both are finished. Oh, we still have a few boxes to unpack, but I figure it's no big deal. If I haven't missed it, I don't need it and have already gone out an bought a replacement if I did. The kitchen is wonderful. So roomy! I can actually cook and not wonder where I can cut up a tomato. The addition is just as I envisioned it would be--plenty of space to eat, enjoy the view of the pool, and sit in a quiet spot to read.

So, now you think I can lean back and relax. Not so!

During this entire process, my husband and I put off something that is near and dear to our hearts. We both grew up with dogs in the house. When we were married, we lost no time in adopting one. She was a sweet little Scottie mix named Peaches who lived to the ripe old age of sixteen. Our next dog was a Shih-Tzu. Pip was gentle and cracked us up when he'd hide under the dining room table to bark whenever someone knocked on the door. Fifteen years later, he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Next, we were determined to get two dogs who could keep each other company while we were at work. We rescued Liza, a Pitbull mix and Lucky, a lab mix. Life was never dull with those two around. We lost our angel Liza in 2013, and Lucky followed in 2015. Since we were in the process of selling our home in Fort Lauderdale, we decided to wait a while before going through the process again. That wait took longer than we anticipated.

So, yesterday we went to the Humane Society and adopted a bonded pair of homeless dogs. The female is a Bulldog and heaven-only-knows-what mix who weighs in at a hefty sixty pounds. A good diet and plenty of exercise should get her down to fifty pounds by Christmas. The male is a beagle and something mix. Cute as a button. Both are about three years old. They were strays together and formed a close relationship. Since we wanted two dogs again (the experience was great and I can highly recommend thinking about it if you plan to add to your family) and because they were a boxed set, we said sure, why not.

As soon as the paperwork was finished we trekked to PetSmart and spent a small fortune on beds, dishes, and toys. By the time you read this, they will be in their new home with a real back yard and lots of love. Our family is now complete. I'll post pictures next month.

Oh, and for those of you who grew up in the '50s or watch TVLand, the dogs' names are--ready for this?--Fred and Ethel!

Can you tell I'm excited? Thought so. LOL. So, until next month when I can give you an update on everything, have a great October.

Suzanne Rossi