3...2...1...blast off!

when Jaden was about 4, he started asking for a dog...he was very specific too! he wanted a big black dog & he would name him Sloopy

we weren't quite ready for a dog back then...so we told Jaden that when he got older & was more responsible, we'd consider getting a dog that he could help take care of...he wanted to know how old...we said something like "oh, i don't know...when u're about 10 or so"

well, if u know Jaden...then u know that he NEVER forgot that conversation! every few months or so - when he'd see a cute dog, or we'd be walking around looking at the pet store - he'd mention..."boy, i can't wait til i'm 10 & can have a dog!"...this has gone on for almost 6 years! we'd gently remind him that we didn't exactly say he'd definitely get a dog when he turned 10, but that anything was possible

well, Jaden turns 10 in July...
i know...double digits people!!!

& we really think that not only is he ready, but the girls are ready too...they've shown that they can solely be responsible for feeding our outside cat, every day...& picking up around the yard after her...we've had several conversations about how important it is that they keep their rooms picked up & take care of their things, cause if we get a dog, we'll have to watch that he doesn't chew up toys or find things on the floor that he shouldn't...we've talked about how the dog will need lots of daily exercise & attention...how the kiddos can't be fighting all the time & making the new dog nervous (hello i've-gotta-pick-on-my-brother/sister-every-waking-moment-of-my-life stage! ugh.)...& they've actually shown some big improvements

so anyway, i figured i better start the search...we have very specific requirements for a dog & i figured July would be here before we knew it!

last week, i began searching adoption sites...hunting thru Craigslist, & researching different breeds...our number one requirement was that the dog doesn't shed! u know...cause of the cakes? even tho the dog won't be around my cake area, i still can't take the risk of dog hair floating around in the air...the 2nd requirement is that it NOT be a puppy! we really didn't want to do the house breaking thing...or deal with the chewing, or the getting up in the middle of the night...or u know, any of that jazz...we've already raised our babies, & don't want to start over again! plus, there are tons of adult dogs out there that need a good home...i was sure we could find one that would fit well into our home...& of course what ever dog we get, has to be great with kids!

well just the other day, i was literally refreshing the pets page on Craigslist & an ad pops up...

Black Standard Schnauzer
his name is rocket he is 2 years old and not neutered. need to find him a good home. he is a purebred, he is a very excited and playful dog, house trained, and loves to cuddle. for anymore information or to set up a time to see him, call...

i already knew that Standard Schnauzers were in the non-shedding dog category (i know, all dogs shed...but these type of dogs shed very little - kind of like people)...he's black - Jaden's preference...& his name is Rocket? ok, how perfect is that?!

i immediately called!

one of my first questions was about the shedding...the owner says "oh, Rocket doesn't really shed at all!"...score! i ask about how he is with kids - turns out excellent, they have 2 small kiddos themselves! they're a young couple who live in a single wide trailer...they also have a dog that the man has owned for 10+ years & his wife just had surgery...2 small kiddos & 2 dogs are a lot for anyone to take care of, but she really wasn't able to do it all while being laid up & living in such a small space...they really didn't want to have to get rid of him - she went on & on about what a sweet & well-behaved dog he is - but they decided he had to...they wanted to make sure he ended up in a great home tho...so Curtis & i arranged a time to go meet Rocket

& oh. my. word.
he had us at hello!
~lol~

he was of course excited to meet us...he jumped on us & licked us - even barked once to say hello...but after i gave him some love & he checked us out thoroughly, he quickly laid down beside me & relaxed while we chatted with his owners...he's more gray, than black...& a little on the small side for a Standard Schnauzer...but omg, he's so sweet! & soooo lovable! it didn't take us long to realize that we were head over heels in love...& that he'd fit into the Skates household perfectly! ;0)

meet "Rocket Sloopy Skates"...

the absolute best part was surprising the kiddos! of course, they had no idea we were even looking for a dog...their reactions were absolutely PRICELESS!!!



yeah, it's definitely a super early bday present for Jaden...but he doesn't care - all 3 are in absolute heaven with the new addition to our family...& Rocket seems to be feeling right at home too!!! ;0)