We’d been planning to do this for days and wonder of wonders we got off our geeky fat asses and did it this morning. First we packed up the dog and had a nice (somewhat chilly) breakfast on the petio at the Flying Star then went to the dog park downtown for about two hours. Winter had a wonderful time. I had to get off the bench and socialize with the other people so she’d play with their dogs. There was one boy, a heeler mix named “I Spy”, she wrestled with for a long time. I’d never seen her let anyone play rough with her like that - he would nibble on her neck and ears! And she was loving it. I really would like to have another dog she would have such fun. And I’ve noticed she’s always more comfortable with the medium sized dogs. But we can’t handle another dog.

Repeat it with me — Noelle, you can’t handle another dog. Really. You. Can’t. Handle. Another. Dog. Especially. Not. A. Beagle.

Don’t think about Libby’s litter being due on Tuesday. This dog’s face is just indescribable the photos really don’t do it justice. She has the most extrordinarily delicate face for a ridgeback. But I’m not thinking about how beautiful her babies would be. Nope.

Winter would have serious sibling rivalry issues. We wouldn’t have any room left on the bed for us. One word: housebreaking! I think my mother would have an actual conniption fit. We really had planned on waiting until all the pets were gone and getting a puppy and kitten at the same time so they’d be used to each other and hopefully more cuddly together. The vet bills would be even worse than they are now. We have health insurance for the dog - we’d probably get another policy for the other one - more expenses.

We already have a name picked out when the occasion does arise but we’ve had the idea for years. Winter’s name is “Windy Ridge’s Second Mrs DeWinter” based on one of my favorite book/movies, Rebecca. We’d planned on naming the next one “Robert Poste’s Child” with the call name Flora from another favorite book/movie, Cold Comfort Farm.

But we won’t get Flora for a long time. Nope. No cute new beagles for me. But maybe another hedgehog…