Thanks Lisa, Lisa and Lisa

You can tell Spring is in the air when everyone starts talking about puppies. Two of my virtual friends over at FiberTraditions - LisaS and LisaK (do you see a theme here?) - have been sharing some wonderful stories about the new puppies in their lives. And these aren't just any kind of puppy - they are very special Labrador Retriever puppies. I really wanted to get one of LisaK's puppies, but the logistics were working against me so I decided to search closer to home.

I started looking on-line at the shelters, in the micronews ads, and at various breeders for the perfect addition to our family. Finding a new dog can be time consuming and obsessing, if you are looking for just a certain dog. Plus, there was a certain family member that needed convincing. The e-versation went something like this...

J: What do you think about getting another lab? If you are getting a new boat, we should really have a dog on board to help watch the kids. Remember what a big help Carry was when she was younger.
JJ: OK, but it should be black this time.
J: (Wow - that was easy. Start scanning the shelters quick before he changes his mind.)
J: No black labs to be found, only black lab mixes.
JJ: I really want a pure bred.
J: Hmmm. How about a Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
JJ: NO.
J: Why not? (There are puppies available within 3 weeks).
JJ: Too hyper.
J: (hmm? I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay, and I do not remember any hyper dogs. Oh wait, maybe I do. Ok - move on.)
J: How about a golden retreiver?
JJ: I really want a lab.
J: (ok, couldn't find any golden puppies anyway. Hey - this might be something...) How about a chocolate lab?
JJ: Ok.

We contacted the owner and made arrangements to meet the dog that weekend. She is a beautiful chocolate lab, a little over a year old, very enthusiastic with a slight wiggling problem. She is just what I needed! It didn't dawn on me until I started writing this post that the previous owner's name was Lisa. It must have been serendipity.

And now, with no further ado, allow me to introduce the newest addition to the Johansson clan...


Mocha! (thanks, Mom, for help with the name! And THAT is a story for another day).