Over again and goodby

Over and over and over, again and again and again....

For the last couple of weeks that has been the story. I fix the fence and Nala finds another spot...or creates another spot to jump to freedom. The dog that always comes running when called, all of a sudden is deaf to my pleas to return. She makes her rounds and shows back up at our front gate about half an hour later. At first I tried to pretend it wasn't a problem, maybe she just needed to go for more runs or fetch or any other kind of training attention. But no matter what we tried, we'd turn around and she'd be gone again. She has a bloody history with some of the neighborhood chickens, and I knew it would only be a matter of time before we had the whole neighborhood after us, or Nala hit by a car (her second passion).

I turned to craigslist and I wasn't let down. I couldn't believe how many people wanted my dog...issues and all. There were tears from the kids and that night I couldn't sleep. I have put a lot of work into this dog and well, I kinda like having her around. I never get tired of looking at her....running, playing, snoozing, being a bum mat for Angel...she is beautiful. Maybe I could get the fence fixed up better, maybe there was something I haven't tried...

The next day I forgot to tie her back up after playing with her and when the kids went for a bike ride, she jumped the fence and went too. I didn't see her go and wasn't aware anything was wrong until Eve came crashing through the door all upset. I went out into the yard and there was Nala with a big fat rooster in her mouth. Turns out the rooster was ok, unlike the chicken she grabbed a couple months ago from the same neighbor. That was it...it was final.

Kelly and her mom, Nora, came to meet Nala today. They had been looking for a dog, specifically a golden, for a long time. They had met several dogs but none had been what they were looking for. I really didn't think Nala would pass their inspection, but they were instantly in love with her. I'm not sure about all the details, but there were tears of joy...yup, actual tears of joy. Nora even hugged me she was so happy. I feel very lucky to have her placed in a home where she has been wanted for a long time. They have had a golden before, so they know all about their temperament...good and bad.

Tonight feels quiet, and a little sad. Angel looks so small outside all by herself. But I keep thinking of a house, not too far away just hopping with activity and the excitement of a new dog and it makes me smile...maybe even chuckle.