...Our Russian Angel: September 2015

There is something truly special seeing holidays and special events through the eyes of a child. And when they wish and dream for something for years and see it finally realized, it really warms the heart!

Kristina has had a love for dogs going back - way back - to when we first met her. The Security/Grounds Keeper at Baby Home #6 had a dog on the grounds and the kids used to watch it from afar - certainly never getting the chance to touch it.

Kristina (left), 27 months old, yelling "Baka" - short for sobaka ("dog" in Russian)

And some of Kristina's friends at Baby Home #6 lined up at the fence looking at the dog, too.

Over the years, Kristina has asked strangers politely "Can I pet your dog?" and then turning to me, "Mommy, when can I get a dog?". Halloween has been challenging at times because Kristina, since the age of 3, would ask at each house, "Do you have a dog?" instead of "Trick or Treat"! And I can't tell you how many times Kristina has watched the movie "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" sealing her destiny to someday have her very own "Papi" or "Chloe". And I can't leave Santa Claus off the list, who, apparently just didn't have enough room in his sleigh.

Well, it happened. Two nights ago, an opportunity presented itself. Some friends of ours received a dog from a family member and they couldn't keep it (they had just gotten another dog a few nights beforehand). Jon was over there Thursday night when Kristina fell in love with this pooch. He sent me this photo with the text message: "What do you think...." My response "You're breaking my heart - we can't get a dog yet." That text never went through for some reason....thank you iPhone....

First picture of Kristina and the puppy

On Friday morning, when running between patients, I received a text message from Jon "OK, the ball's in our court - we can have it tonight. I say go for it." And so the decision was made to add to the Deary family!

We surprised Kristina that evening by taking her over to our friend's home. She had no idea that we were coming home with a puppy.

Of course I cut the video off right when Kristina said, "Look at me - I'm shaking! I'm so happy!"

Kristina and her friend, Bella.

The drive home ~ ha, the pup is like a deary in headlights!

So happy to be home!

Two peas in a pod

So while Kristina got a crash course in taking care of the puppy, I ran to Wal*Mart to pick up some necessities (who else is open at 10pm?). After getting a small bed, crate, food, toys, and potty pads - we were set to be new parents!

Kristina decided to sleep on the floor next to the crate - the pup's new condo.

The two girls slept but only for an hour before the puppy was wimpering and wanted to be let out. This went on all night... I got up and took the pup to the bathroom where we have the pads and surprisingly enough, that's where she has done her business 75% of the time! Around 4am, I crawled into Kristina's bed and let the pup sleep next to me. For 4 hours, there was peace ~ but boy am I exhausted today.

While Jon was at work, the 3 of us crawled into my bed (well, the dog stayed on her own bed on my bed...).

Our first road trip - to Petco to get a collar and nametag!

My good travelers: both fall asleep in the car!

So how do we feel about this little critter? I grew up with dogs and cats and so did Jon. We've wanted to get a dog but just didn't have the space in our lives for one (literally and timewise). With changes coming up in the next 4-6 months (I'm losing my job at Cedars after 16 1/2 years since the Rehab Unit is closing down) this is forcing the issue to make changes now. We started purging stuff to Good Will this weekend and getting items ready for a garage sale in November. This little one with the Walter Cronkite-like eyebrows doesn't take up much space but she has certainly crawled her way into our hearts and we love her!

And now for her stats:
Sex: Girl
Age: 9 weeks
Birth Date: July 8, 2015
Adoption Date: September 11, 2015
Breed: 50% Chihuahua and 50% Yorkshire Terrier: a Chorkie!
Weight: 1 lb.

And her name..........

Maty!

Poor little Maty (pronounced Matt-ee) was called various names for the first 15 hours home but Kristina was the one who ultimately chose Maty (actually "Maty Serene" according to Kristina since she's such a calm doggie). The reason for Maty? This tiny, tiny dog is like the final tiny surprise you get when you open the last Matryoshka doll....thus, Maty is a derivative of Matryoshka. ;)