It's Going To Be Okay. It Was Meant To Be.

The past 24 hours have been chaotic, a bit emotional, and exhausting. Two days ago,  I knew a big change was right around the corner. Think back to the last time you stood outside, during the summer months, and even though the sun was shining, you just knew thunderstorms would be rolling in later. Maybe there was something in the air. Or, a smell. Maybe the birds were acting out of sorts. Something. That's the way it's been, for me, over the past week or so.

I know I've mentioned this before. And I'll probably say it again. None of our fur-kids were "planned." At the time, the Universe shifted. Did a lil' shimmy shake.

At the end of the day, when all was said and done, Lisa and I always had that "what just happened" anxiety followed by a brief bout of Dog Mom panic.

Each time, and usually within the first day or two, something just happens. A moment that catches you off guard almost. I've always thought this to be the Universe's way of whispering, "It's going to be okay. It was meant to be."

Earlier today, it was THIS. While catching up on a bit of work stuff at my desk, I peeked over at Willa. She was sound asleep on the love seat in the home office. Content. Happy.

I sat back in my chair and I couldn't take my eyes off of her. My brain started wandering.

If Willa wasn't here...

She's not spayed. The people who had her before us bought her. She's a purebred. She has papers. That would have caught the attention of backyard breeders. They would have scooped her up in a heartbeat.

Willa's breed is also a prime choice for bait dogs. A Jack Russell is quick, they're masterminds, and they have no qualms with standing up to large breeds.

She's also a small dog weighing in at only 10 pounds. A lot of people, who prefer smaller dogs, would have focused on the novelty of such a small dog. She's cute. She'd be great for the kids. She won't be much trouble. She's a great "apartment" dog. She'll fit in a doggy purse. She can be taken everywhere. Etc.

That would have jaded the realities...

Remember I said she was up to date on shots? Well, that expires on March 10th. Within the next week, we'll have to make an appointment for Willa to get a checkup, shots, a fecal test, and one other test I can't remember the name of. That's going to cost us right around $200.

Willa is also in heat. Although she's not bleeding a lot, she has to wear a diaper or a specially designed outer garment and pad. The pad looks almost identical to a maxi pad. Willa isn't thrilled about this. We've had to do 20 minute checks on her because she's already pulled the diaper off twice.

In addition, because she's in heat, we have to be extra cautious when taking her outdoors. Male dogs, who are not neutered, can pick up her scent.

Once Willa's cycle is done and over with, we'll have to wait 8-12 weeks before we can schedule her spay surgery. Prior to that, she'll need to have blood work done. The total cost for everything should be right around $500.

So, that cute lil' pup, who some would be very tempted to grab on a whim, has some hefty expenses coming up. A lot of times, people overlook that until 6 months later when she starts bleeding all over the furniture and floors.

That's the point when she's no longer cute and adorable. More often than not, it's this point when they're re-homed again.

My brain continued to wander. I thought of the "what if's" and other scenarios.

Willa was still sound asleep.

Until...

I went over to the love seat. Rubbed her belly. Kissed the top of her head.

And whispered the same promise Lisa and I made to all of our kids.

I kissed her head again. Told her how much she's already loved by us, her siblings, and our friends and family.

She tilted her head.

Two minutes later, she was sound asleep again.