After 42 years of perfectly happy pet-free existance, I have become a doggie-mommy at long last. We adopted Tanner, the miniature poodle, from a local animal shelter yesterday. It seemed like a life-affirming thing to happen in the midst of a pretty grim couple of weeks.

Wonder Girl has been asking for a dog for many years. While in seminary, we did not live in pet-friendly housing, so she has waited literally half her life for this. In some ways I feel as nervous as I did bringing my son home 18 years ago.

I have been telling everyone to whom I talk about Tanner, "I'm new at this." hoping that if I do something really stupid my freshman status will excuse me. And I've entered the brave new world of pet stores, veterinarians, dog boarding kennels, poodle groomers, heartworm pills, Kongs, etc...

He's a cute little bundle of calmness. We waited and looked for a low-energy dog, so our dog would not be sitting around impatiently waiting for us to take him to the dog park; we also wanted one small enough that our yard will be sufficient play space. We were also willing to take an older dog, so Tanner waited for us for a while.

Wonder Girl wanted a baby sister. I guess Tanner will have to do.

I may even do an occasional Friday DogBlog. Imagine that!