It’s Auggie’s Gotcha Day!

It seems so long ago, and also like yesterday

Nine years ago today we flew to Atlanta to pick up a puppy. He was to be St. Augustine II, because the puppy we’d been planning for two years—directly related to Moses—died suddenly at four weeks old. Our GSD person in Iowa gave us her place in line for another litter, sired by the same dad. But we had to go and get him. In Georgia.

I had never flown with a dog on an airplane before, and I planned the whole thing like a military operation. Would the puppy cry? Would he be okay going through security? Would he manage not to pee in the crate? It was tough finding a crate that was big enough to hold a German Shepherd puppy and small enough to fit under the seat, but we managed. Just.

It took us a few months to realize it, but it seemed as if we weren’t really a good match. This problem-solving, high energy dog—who literally hit his head on the ceiling when he jumped—should have been a working dog. Maybe in search and rescue or something. But by the time we figured it out it was too late. We already loved him, and he loved us with the radical, deep attachment of a GSD. We weren’t going to part with him for anything. Then, six years later, he had a major medical crisis. By sheer grace, we had both the pet health insurance and the access to high level and creative veterinary expertise that saved his life. I think it’s likely that had he been in almost any other family, he would have had to have been euthanized.

We were meant for each other. I truly believe that.

Mostly baby Auggie, but also his aunts and uncles and his adopted brothers, Moses and Pete.

”And all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”~Julian of Norwich

These posts are about finding the beauty in daily life, even amid the craziness, uncertainty, and anxiety. Reality is not going away, but these are the only days we get, so we have to relish their small beauties while we have them. If you are a paid subscriber, please know how deeply grateful I am for your support. The kindness and enthusiasm of your comments buoy me and keep me writing, but the paid subscriptions are an extra vote of confidence I truly appreciate. These posts will always be free, however, so if all you can do is share, that is helpful, too. Whatever you decide, I’m glad you’re here.

None of today’s dog photos are gratuitous. In fact, they are essential.