The Christmas Puppy

She's not really a puppy, she will be 5 in January, and we got her the Friday before the big day, but Sasha has brought much joy into our home just when we needed it, so that is what we have been calling her. Just one more similarity with our beloved dog Murphy....we got her at the same time of year and always called her that. When Roy, Sasha's previous owner, was leaving her behind at our house and heading back to Miami, he said 'Your girls will love having a Christmas puppy.' More proof it was just meant to be.

We've been looking at rescue dog sites for months and have made many calls, but nothing worked out. When John found Sasha, it moved quickly and the owners (who were moving and couldn't take her along) offered to drive down and make sure she was going to a good home. After a few hours of looking at the front door, Sasha settled in and it's like she has lived here for years.

The girls and all their class mates met her that Friday after school....Sasha loved the attention. The following Sunday we had guests in for an open house and no one could believe we had just gotten her two days before. Sasha spent part of Christmas day curled up in one of our dinner guest's lap. Everyone just loves her. I think it's that special blend of dachshund and lab that makes Sasha so sweet, just like Murphy was.

She has filled a void that all of us have been feeling after my father passed away one month before Christmas. There has been much joy this holiday season, but it has all been tinged with a sadness that culminated Christmas evening. Lots of phone calls and texts, consoling each other from afar. Everyone has bounced back - we all agree that we were all just trying to get through the holiday and once we did it seemed okay to let the tears flow.

The girls are currently curled up on a sofa with their new Disney Princess and Pokemon comforters (even though it is still way to hot for them.....hoping this record heat goes away soon!). Giggling over Minecraft with Sasha right in the middle. They take turns taking her outside and holding the leash for walks. It's been relaxing and fun. We've got another week to hole up and enjoy each others company before school starts again. And I'm glad for this time together.