It was time. We lost Mocha in December - it was the first time my wife was dog-less in her memory

[NRaleighLiberal]

And first in our 37 year marriage....it was nice being much freer to travel and not worry about dog care -

yet -

when we went to Ocracoke a few months ago with no dogs, it felt odd - unnatural - and the ghosts of our two labs who so often accompanied us made it a bit sad.

So we waited until fate started to play its hand - until there were some signs. My wife was really indicating it was time - I finally agreed.

We have some good local shelters and rescue organizations - Saving Grace, Peak Lab rescue, Lucky Lab rescue. We went with Peak and Mikey, a 6 year old big male yellow lab (85 lbs - he is on an immediate slim down program) is now a member of the family, as of 10 AM yesterday.

We've not worked out relations with our two cats yet - that may take some time. we are Mikey's third family (and fourth stop counting the brief foster family stay). He started on a farm, but went after the chickens so the owners had him go to a friend. That worked out great until the wife died, and the husband has to downsize - he was heart broken - that sent Mikey into the foster situation. And now - looks like Mikey has his forever home, and we are no longer dogless!

Here he is, with Sue!

[irisblue]

1. Good

[samnsara]

2. i too dream of a time when i dont have to ask the pet sitter before i make vacation plans...

...but then my life would be so empty when I return.

Congrats on the new fur baby!

[tazkcmo]

3. Beautiful!

i had a huge yellow Lab like Mikey. He passed in 2014. I'm happy for you and your wife and honestly a bit jealous.

Something in my eye, gotta go.

[Polly Hennessey]

4. Welcome, Mikey.

Don’t worry, the cats will tolerate you. If they lick you on your head, close your eyes and turn your head because they do stop. I can hear you now, “oh, no, cat spit.”

[cilla4progress]

5. In exact same shoes!

The day we get home from France in September - a rare trip for us - priority no. 1 is dog hunting!

Congrats!!!

[WhiteTara]

6. Mikey is gorgeous.

We just brought our Tashe home last week. She too is rescue. She was born on a goat ranch was set out with the big dogs for them to train her to take care of the goats. Apparently she didn't like goats and they were very vicious in their efforts to get her to stay with the goats. She went to the local Anatolian Shepard rescue and was adopted, taken back after a few weeks was adopted again and the woman broke her hip and back she went to rescue.

She is one of the calmest dogs I've ever met. She's sweet, fairly psychic and doesn't give the cats grief. One is doing well and the other hisses but with less vehemence every day.

She loves sleeping outside and she does guard the property--we have strawberries! I love her and am so happy to have a dog again.

She has much the same coloring as Mikey. Enjoy your new family member!

[badhair77]

7. Looks like Mikey is pretty content.

I’m very happy for you. Our house would be empty without our doodle dog.

[tblue37]

8. Congratulations o your handsome new family member--and thank you for

adopting an older dog, especially one who has lost his other homes so often!

[Phentex]

9. YAY!

Happy for him and your whole family.

[Judi Lynn]

10. Loving and thoughtful of you two to give a fur friend who's been disappointed too often

a chance at having a real home, with two people who care for him, and are happy to have him on board.

Best of times to you all.

[Rhiannon12866]

11. K&R! What wonderful news!

You couldn't remain dog-less for long - what a lucky pup and lucky you! He's quite a handsome guy! (And I would know the lovely Sue anywhere... )