Puppy Love

They were huddled together on the cement floor when we first laid eyes on them. Amid the uproar of barks, yips, and growls of much bigger dogs at the Humane Society, these two little sisters pressed their heads against one another as if to block out the chaos...

I glance at Micah. I can scarcely believe he's handling all of this, but other than a pooched out lower lip, he's keeping it together.

"You can go in with 'em if you want," the volunteer informs us cheerily. Only I don't need to. The sisters are peering up at us with big, brown, Bambi eyes. I'm already sold. Micah and I scoot over as Lucas squeezes in the kennel behind us and scoops up the first pup to venture our way. I lift the second to Micah's level and she gives his hand a tentative lick. No more poochie lip for about a second. It would last a bit longer if it weren't for all the echoing racket.

"Now, the girls can't leave just yet. They still need to be spayed, but they'll be ready this weekend. We can't hold 'em for ya..."

I grab a quick look at Lucas, who's still holding Thea. Uh oh. Just called her by name. I know where we'll be on Saturday and I also know we'll be taking Bella, too. We grin at the volunteer, who gives a knowing grin right back. There's gonna be one surprised and happy birthday boy when he gets back from camp.

Now, two weeks later, they sleep curled together in their borrowed travel kennel on the living room floor. They look so peaceful that you'd never know they were just tearing around the living room under eight watchful eyes. "Thea! No! Don't chew the rug! Here's the rawhide. Give that back to your sister! For heaven's sake! Quit loosing it under the couch. Ah! Don't chew the couch! Here! Take your rawhide!"

" Mom! Bella's circling and sniffing."

" No no no no no! Seth, grab the leash!"

Who said puppies were easier than toddlers? At least babies can wear diapers! Hmmmm... I wonder if Micah's would fit... ;D