Well, not really “at Market”, but it was because I went to Quilt Market. Here’s the story…
My ex-husband and I have been thinking for awhile now that it would be good for my middle son “Mr. E” to have a service dog. A dog to keep track of him and to help keep him safe and to be his constant companion. It’s mostly a safety issue, but we’ve read a lot about how much good a service dog can do for a person with autism, too. However, it often takes 2 years or more to actually get a dog that is trained and ready.
About a month ago, Mr. E’s dad started researching the possibilities for getting a dog. He found a trainer in Wisconsin that actually called him back the day that he inquired. (He was able to get references from our neighbor who has been in the field, too.) After a few conversations, she recommended a Great Pyrenees and Lab mix. So, Mr. E’s dad went looking for one of those. And found one not too far from home. But it got adopted before he could even get the application in.
While my oldest son Mr. C and I were on the plane to Houston for Quilt Market (and a visit with the grandparents for my son), Pete (Mr. E’s dad) got a message about some puppies in Houston. They were about 4 months old, and Great Pyrenees and Lab mix. Perfect!
After a few phone calls on Saturday, I was in touch with the puppies’ foster parent. After some coffee and from the cafe area of the convention center, I had made a plane reservation to take a puppy home on the flight with us on Sunday. I kept thinking this had to be meant to be.
Here I was at a trade show in Houston. What are the odds that I’d even be in Houston? I rarely go places. And my son and I were without a rental car or a ride (Mr. C’s grandparents were on their way back to Austin to see the other grandkids’ Halloween festitivities). But we were able to take a taxi from the convention center to Spring, Texas where the puppies were. And the wonderful rescue society/foster parent was willing to drive us and the puppy to the airport! It all fell into place so perfectly–I don’t think I could have planned it to work out this smoothly.
This is Candy. Isn’t she cute? She’s about 35 pounds and about 4 months old. The Great Pyrenees Rescue Society picked her up from the animal shelter, so she was saved from being euthanized. Apparently there is a big problem with too many dogs in Texas because not enough people spay and neuter their animals.
I wanted to name her after one of my favorite fabrics from Quilt Market or something. Candy was the name picked out by the rescue society lady, and my oldest son who was with me really wanted to keep it. (I think he really didn’t want a name associated with fabric!) Candy actually fits her quite well. My son Mr. E loves candy–he will eat it all day if I let him. She’s very sweet, like candy! And we got her on Halloween! Trick or Treat!!
So Candy is here with us for about a week. Soon she will be headed back to Wisconsin for her training which will last somewhere around 9 months. When she comes back home, she will be quite huge I’m guessing. We will miss her–especially my youngest who really, really loves her.
However, I won’t be too sad to miss out on the puppy stage. I wasn’t prepared to have a puppy int he house, and she’s chewed through several socks and one of my handknit hats that I made with lovely Malabrigo wool yarn. And she pulled a bowl off the table to get the food in in and broke it. She’s really a good dog, I’m just not set up and ready for a big puppy. Candy is very gentle, and quite calm for a puppy. With all the serendipitous events that got her to us, I’m thinking this is a good thing!!
I am so excited for you, I think it will be wonderful to have a service dog. And the Great Pyrenees, while they are big, are sooooo gentle and sweet, with the brains of a lab, you are going to have one great worker.
As the mom of a special needs kid, I think the peace of mind she will bring as a constant companion to E will be priceless.
And finally, where will she be training in WI? We will be living outside Milwaukee soon if you need a place to stay or help arranging her travel, (let me know-for reals, we will have plenty of room!)
Thank you so much for the offer! I will definitely keep it in mind! She is in the Appleton, WI area, which looks like it’s maybe a few hours away?
The whole thing is pretty exciting!
Thanks for sharing the story! I’m excited to see how she works out for you!
This is such a cute story! I am glad you found a sweet dog. I hope the doggy boot camp works out well. sorry about the hat. My dog loves fibers too.
This is such great news! It IS meant to be…so happy for you all! And by the way, “Mr. D” is ADORABLE…
Wow – just part of life’s plan for your family – I’m so happy for you all – especially your son. 9 mos. of training – amazing! Where in Wisconsin? Would love to know more about it.
Goodness, i just absolutely love this story. I have goosebumps right now. I’m so glad everything worked so smoothly and your son will have is companion. So good to meet you at market! xo Kathy
Thanks, Kathy! So far she seems like a perfect dog. I hope she gets through her training quickly! It was nice to meet you, too!
What a cute little Puppy!! 😀
that is such a cute pic! look at those curls!
sometimes things are just meant to be! I can’t wait to read updates on Candy and Mr E. (new here from Jaybird)
Wow, what a wonderful gift. We had a lab/great dane mix from the pound and he was wonderful, albiet very big. He’l come home a perfect gentlman.
What a beautiful story I’m sure Candy will be a great companion for you and your family 🙂
Wow, that is such a sweet story! Definitely meant to be! And such a beautiful animal. Although a taxi ride from downtown to spring must have cost you an arm and a leg, but so worth it!
What a sweet puppy! I’m sure she’ll make a great service dog. I’m so glad you found a companion for your son and saved this little guy too.
Awww – the puppy is gorgeous! I’m sure that he’ll be a fantastic companion for your son!