We are surrounded by signs, in the neighborhood and in the universe. Walking with the Doods, I see so many postings for missing pets. They’re usually dogs and cats or an occasional bird but I’ve seen one for a “friendly” monitor lizard and another for a snake. Really?
I also see signs for jobs, estate sales and lessons. I don’t know whether to learn to dance, sing or swim.
THE DOODS We’d suggest the singing lessons. Just a thought.
There are also messages on homes and businesses. I’ve lost count of how many I’ve seen that say “Beware of Dog.” One house had a “Beware of Dog” sign and another that said, “Celebrate Life.”
ELBEE Is that a mixed message?
Then there’s this unique sign in the window of a local barber shop. (I did a tiny bit of editing.)
There are more subtle signs in nature like the floating butterflies. They remind us that the pets we’ve lost are still watching over us. In March, I shared that when I was in the mountains, standing under “Charley’s tree,” he gave me a sign that it was time to look for a new dog. Unfortunately, he didn’t include directions for finding it.
After searching all sorts of rescues with no luck, I searched my conscience. I decided, that despite my own guilt and the guilt that countless people laid on me, I was going to look for a puppy. After all, I was hoping it would grow up to honor Charley by doing amazing things. I still had no luck.
Then, all of a sudden, the universe started sending me signs. Marsha, the groomer, texted that she had just met a four month old Doodle whose demeanor reminded her of Charley. Even better, the breeder was local. That was so important to me because with all of the terrible “animal on plane” stories lately, there was no way I was going to ship a dog.
ELBEE Ship? As if! I’d insist on at least business class.
The signs just kept on coming. The breeder has the same name as one of the daughters. Plus she went to UCLA!
ELBEE She forgot to mention that it’s Jennifer, the same as the non-dog loving daughter. Is that a sign?
I found out they were expecting a litter in late spring, so immediately got on the waiting list. Despite the fact that I’m terrible at waiting, I managed not to bombard them with phone calls.
About a week ago, not really sure when the puppies were due, I casually emailed just to see how things were progressing. Billy, the husband, got right back to me with the most exciting news. He had been up until 4 in the morning delivering the pups! He usually doesn’t announce the litter for 48 hours so I had an exclusive! If that isn’t a sign, what is?
Stay tuned for more puppy updates. I even have a name picked out, but like the royal family in England, I’ll announce it later.
ELBEE Oy vey
