Way back in 2007, around my daughter's 4th birthday, I, in a moment of obvious weakness, promised she could have a dog when she turned 5. I thought I was just pacifying a temporary interest, and that it would surely pass like most of the other "I wants" did. However, every week - sometimes every day - since then, she has mentioned the dog she gets on her 5th birthday. It is nearly 2 years since we lost our 11 year old chocolate lab, Duke, and I have been silently missing the companionship of a dog myself.

So I made a deal with the family. We would get a dog, but we would rescue one that needed a home. We would not get a 9-12 week old puppy, since I am a SAHM and already am caring for and entertaining two kids, 5 & 2, running a house, making repairs, keeping a tight budget, and constantly picking up a mess. Oh, and not to forget, working on my writing career... in very tiny bits. A puppy would just send me over the edge.

It was agreed that the dog of choice would be over 6 months but under 12. A quick internet search found me right where I was hoping to go - Retriever Rescue of Colorado. Scrolling through the pictures of these loveable dogs was difficult - I would have them all if I could. But I finally settled on three that fit our criteria. Two males, and one female. However, it was obvious from the start that there was a true favorite - Checkers, a cocoa Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy. I tried hard to resist the beautiful eyes staring back from the computer screen, but instead found myself dialing the phone, calling my husband, and gushing to him about the cutest puppy I had ever seen!

I began the process - filling out the online application, providing so much information I felt like I was on e-harmony and looking for a mate (well, I guess I am, of sorts). Next came the phone interview. It was hard not to feel a bit intimidated, but truly we are a great dog-friendly family, and would be "approved". But the real test is today - the in-home interview, with a volunteer visiting our home, and talking to each family member. She will assess the house and yard, and even bring in her own pet detectives: her 2 dogs. They surely will be the best judge of our character! What should last 20-30 minutes is giving me a nervous twitch! I know they are interested in giving a dog a good, no great, home, and I have just that to offer. We'll do fine, I'm sure. But if you can, send me your positive energy, about 6:30 tonight!