
I don’t have just one photo, but I have one story. We have long thought about getting another puppy. Another cat is non-negotiable because I firmly believe that when you have two, it can backfire on you. They might team up to torment you, or they’ll curl up in each other’s paws, rather than in the nook of your arm. I realize there are exceptions, but we’re a one-cat family. Since I keep putting off the third baby decision, and no less confusing everyone around me (like I said – they’ll deal), we got a puppy. This wasn’t long planned. It was 2 – 3 weeks and I barely kept the secret. I didn’t want my kids to know.
I was nervous. I get nervous anyway, but this was an airless room with lots of people, a presentation from the shelter, and then he was in my arms and we were whisked away pretty fast. Now we’re left stumbling around like we did when we first had a baby. A “now what” mentality. Do you just go on doing what you do, in the ways that you do? Or is nothing the same? Has the world been topsy-turvied over? Are YOU topsy-turvied over? How fast can you right yourself? Where will you land?

The short story is that my “puppy-pusher” friend, Sarah, tags me in occasional puppy rescue updates on Facebook because she knows our type. Husky-ish. Quirky-ish. Yoda ears. That something something element. The status update had photos of a litter of five and they called them, “Mini Huskies.” Astro is estimated to be a Husky-Pomeranian (Pomsky) mix, but I have my own theory. I think he’s totally a Corsky (Husky-Corgi). All the siblings have long and squat bodies. We’ll find out tomorrow what the vet says. We first applied for Astro’s sister, Angel, but she had a wait list. We hemmed and hawed over the 5 puppies or so, and then I told Cassidy to choose. Of course we got off the phone and I texted him simply one word. Astro.

We took the realist approach/route and still decided that our hearts were saying yes. Astro was ours. We waited two weeks or so and then got our transport date – May 24th. So we told the kids we had a BBQ in NJ because the rescue shelter is in NJ and the three hours in the car would seem suspicious otherwise. I mildly freaked out all week, and then all day, and I got that feeling you get when you have one baby and you’re about to have two. You feel excited/sad. Hopeful/melancholy. Will they get along? More importantly, will your first know they’re not being replaced, and that in fact, you love them madly?
A lot of questions still, and no answers. Yet. I’ll never forget the look on Scarlet’s face when she caught on. We went to the shelter and stood on a line and told her we were there to see Cassidy’s friend and pick something up. Yeah, she wasn’t buying it. She heard the puppies barking and saw the people on line filling out paperwork. “We’re here for Astro,” Cassidy said. Scarlet’s hands were shaking. Sorry to reference LOST for the 100,000th time but it was exactly like this:
The process was hard for me because anxiety gets me. And excitement anxiety is a weird one. It’s like when I met Tim Curry. I didn’t want to faint at his feet, or pass out on the floor. We went into the shelter and knelt in front of Astro’s crate. Des finally got it. Scarlet’s heart was pounding into my arms. The whole process took about an hour, and then we were out the door and into the rest of our lives. We had a three hour car ride, and split up the snuggling between two of us. Bliss.
You’re probably wondering what he’s like. Initial thoughts are mellow but puppy-like. He put his paws around my neck in a hug and played with the drawstring on my pants. He knew he was home. It’s as simple as that. We gave him food and water and he bounced from his dishes back into our arms. Back and forth and back and forth. “You’re still there! It’s still there.








He has yet to meet my camera, the way Athena has, Penny has, and Junie has. That comes with intimacy and daylight. It will probably start this weekend because I just want to squeeze him when he’s this little, and learn his ways. His soul.
This is me linking up, as one of my favorite things to do, with Finish The Sentence Friday. This week’s topic is Photo Share Friday And there’s still time to write yours. Come link up with your spin: HERE. What’s your photo? What’s its story?
He’s perfect.
Congratulations on the new puppy! ππΎ
Astro Bowman. Welcome home!
I am seriously so excited that you finally got Astro. I have seen so many of your photos on Facebook and he looks absolutely adorable. Congrats and also enjoyed hearing about how you got him here, too!! <3
Oh my goodness, what a happy day! Welcome Astro. He is lucky to have landed in your family. Wish I could swoop in and hug him.. miss my dog!
There’s so much excitement for getting a puppy. It’s so cute! Hope you have a great time with Astro! I’ve never had a pet but I can see that it’s lovely to have that addition to the family.
Awww congratulations! I wasn’t on facebook yesterday if you posted. I’m grinning from your excitement and Astro’s, “Youβre still there! Itβs still there.β Sweet. Can’t wait to read “tails” of him and Athena.
Gosh, he is so cute!!! My girls would LOVE to get a second dog (& I wouldn’t mind), but my hubby won’t hear of it! We usually have three dogs in our yard anyway – ours, and two neighbors’. Plus, I don’t think I want to go through ht puppy phase again – I would opt for a 2-3 year old dog if given he chance. How do Astro & Athena seem to be getting along so far?
Astro is so cute! I love Husky mixes π
Well, there is a squiggly, pudgy, fuzzy, licking bundle of joy!! Astro is a great name and he’s a looker for sure!
My puppy just turned five months. He’s a gangly teenager now. The puppy stage goes by so fast, except when you are in the middle of it, lol
Best!!
Oh my he is so cute and I can feel his personality through the photos! Congratulations!
He’s so so so cute! I’m glad you got him and his Yoda ears are perfection. Awwww! I love his face! π π Really so so happy for you! xo
” ruh row!”
very cool
you have a very attractive (and, from the look in his eyes I’ll betcha, very smart) doggie.
Congratulations!
I couldn’t help but read this story over and over again Tamara. Looking at all the happy and smiling faces in your photos made me smile too! Astro is one lucky and handsome dog. Have a lot of fun with the newest member of the family everybody, and l hope you enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend!
Oh, I want to hold him! Thank you for sharing so many photos and telling us your and his story.
Aw, he’s the sweetest! I love his name, it really suits him π How exciting for the whole family, Tamara! I’ll look forward to hearing lots more.
p.s. can’t believe how big the kids are getting. I’ve noticed it in earlier posts but it was remarkable in this one. Especially Scarlet with her teeth coming in. Precious!
Ahh I love this so much! Astro is soooo good-looking and charming, and it looks like he’s caring and loving too. I’m so happy for you and your family. Looking forward to more Astro photos. π
He’s precious! Mazel tov to your family, and to Astro – he is a lucky pup. I hope Athena is adjusting to a little brother well.
We’ve thought about a second dog forever – every time we foster my family wants to keep one. I’m the hold out, but I wouldn’t put it past me to cave one day.
I saw on Facebook about Astro. So exciting! I love how your family does things big π
I saw the hint you left on a previous post and have been waiting to see him. He’s a cutie and there’s just something about white dogs that I love. He fits right in with the family for sure, and I know he’ll be loved.
He is adorable! Welcome to a wonderful family Mr. Astro π
Congrats on your new addition!
Astro is a doll! I can see the love between all of you. How is Athena reacting to the new guy?
What a sweet puppy face! Astro already looks right at home.