Saturday, September 11, 2010

Introducing the newest member of my family


Oh to have a dog of my own. It's been on my to-do list for a few years as an adult, and "puppy" was always high on my Hanukkah wishlist as a kid. For the last few years I've been an occasional foster momma to Shiba Inus through a local rescue but my crazy work and life schedule wasn't really conducive to dogs. (Or sleep for that matter.)

When I first moved to NYC my apartment was barely big enough for me, let alone a pet. Since moving downtown the space has been willing; it was just a matter of timing. A couple of months ago I realized I wanted to make room in my life for a pet. I watched a friend's dog for a couple of weeks while she was on vacation and got very used to coming home to happy barks and tail wags. It got me outside and exploring more and it was easier to talk to people with a dog as an icebreaker. Especially a really cute dog!

So I started looking into adoption slowly. Then a couple of weeks ago my rescue sent out an APB about a Shiba pup that needed a new home. I was in! She came home with me on Thursday and has been settling in ever since. Shibas are a challenging but rewarding breed to own and I'm loving my new life as a dog owner. My dog is about 8 months old and 18 lbs -- which makes her easily portable.

I do miss being close to parks like I was on the Upper East Side -- both Carl Schurz and Central Park were just a few blocks from my apartment. On the other hand it means more exercise for both me and my dog to get to the park and that's never a bad thing.

I have not decided on a name yet but am leaning towards Cinnamon. She's found her favorite spot (the couch, of course) and came with plenty of toys to choose from. Not that I won't be getting her more soon enough. We're off to the Union Square dog park later today to make some new friends. Life is good, whether you're a dog or a dog owner.

17 comments:

Tien said...

Oh, she is so beautiful! I've always had a fondness for these dogs. Congrats on finding your pup! Cinnamon is a great name. I wouldn't mind a few (or 40) more photos of her!

Chloe said...

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! So cute, so cute, so cute. Love her, and I always feel a teensy bit sad for anyone that goes through life without a dog. Mine are my babies, and make even the worst days so much better. You know- that whole unconditional love thing they have happenin', I suppose. <3

Chloe said...

PS- you can only name her Cinnamon if you promise to also call her "Snickerdoodle", because that's the best thing EVER.

According to me, Girl Who Has Her Pet Name Picking Privileges revoked after naming a chihuahua Kathryn/Kitty, long, long, long ago.

:D

Jenn said...

We have been owners of a Shiba Inu for 12 years now. Jack Frost is our white Shiba and he has been the best dog in the world! He barely barks, never has accidents in the house, doesn't chew anything that he shouldn't, is great with our little ones and family and friends (he even loves strangers!). I don't know what we'll do when he's no longer with us! They are a great breed of dog and I know you'll enjoy her!!

lauras526 said...

Congratulations! It really is such a rewarding experience to adopt a dog. Adopting mine early last year completely changed my life for the better. It really is a great feeling to come home to him wagging his tail and jumping from excitement. And the unconditional love that dogs give so easily is unbeatable.

She is adorable, and Cinnamon is a great name! Congratulations again!

Roxy said...

Thanks everyone! I love being a dog owner already. :)

Chloe - it is done. Snickerdoodle is officially her nickname/pen name. ;)

Farmer Jo said...

Congrats! She is a beautiful dog. I love shibas. When we went dog hunting a few years ago, that breed was high on the list. We ended up with a slightly used Pug, who has made our life so much brighter and happier. I love pets!

JenLynn said...

Congrats. Getting a dog was the best decision I made. You are their best friend and they are great to come home to, so excited to see you after only a few hours. They also make every day better, even the crappy ones with a tag wag or "kiss". Enjoy her.

Lola said...

Your dog is sooo adorable! I'm glad that you decided to adopt. All of my pets were adopted from shelters (2 guinea pigs and 1 cat). It makes me feel good knowing that I'm providing a happy home to an animal that had a rough start in life.

Jesspgh of Consume or Consumed said...

I LOVE her! Oh man having a dog is one of my life's greatest joys and I am so glad you have given your pup a new home. I think Cinnamon would be a lovely name. And I agree that dog ownership is absolutely one of those things that opens the door to many conversations. I've met so many friends because of my dog! Congratulations!! I hope you post more photos of her!

Anjali said...

How wonderful!! She looks adorable and so much fun :) I'm envious of you; I would own a dog if any of my landlords would allow it...

ScamperingScotties said...

Congrats on your new addition to your family! My dogs are my children and even if I've had a horrible day they don't judge and always cheer me up. Enjoy her company and please continue to post pictures of her cute face!

Tippy said...

Congrats! That's so exciting. We've(okay more like I) have been wanting a dog for so long. We've just started researching breeds and rescues so hopefully soon. Shibas are so smart and friendly so that's a possibility. Your dog is so cute!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on being a new dog owner!! Shiba Inus are super adorable and Cinnamon is no exception. I'm dying to be at the point in my life when I can have my own dog but it's a little ways off yet. For now I live vicariously through my family pet and every dog owner I pester on the street. ;)

Loraine said...

What a great way to start out the new year! She is just adorable. Congrats!

Suzanne said...

Congrats on the new "addition", Roxy! So happy for you!

Lauren said...

She's so adorable, Roxy! I think Cinnamon is a perfect name - she even looks like she's got a bit of spice to her!