Speaking Volumes

Between celebrating Thanksgiving and reading Su's most recent  blog post, I've been reminded to reflect on the things I have been most thankful for this year. There are truly many, many things for me to be thankful for, including all of the things that Su listed in her top 50 list! But one of the most recent things for me to be thankful for is my new dog, Frank. 

I decided to adopt a dog last spring and started looking right away. I knew I wanted a big dog and I knew I wanted to go through a shelter or rescue organization. After about 4 months of looking I was sure that it would be easier to adopt a child then a puppy.  But, then I found Frank. He was big. He was at the Norwich pound. And he only had a few days left before they were going to....

Now, when I say 'found' I mean found pictures of him online. I was on vacation in California, and I didn't actually meet him. But, like I said, he only had a few days left, so we (my boyfriend and I) ended up adopting him long distance over the telephone while my boyfriend's mom went and picked him up for us.

I was nervous. He was going to be my first dog. I had never met him. I really wasn't on the market for a puppy (I wanted a dog at least a few years old) - and Frank was only 6 months old. Plus, he was big, really big, an Akita, Shepherd, St. Bernard mix. Of course, once I saw him I was in love - he's been a wonderful, super, fantastic pet! Because of Frank, I've been to more Connecticut state parks this fall then I have ever been to in my life, and now I always feel safe when I am home alone. My family and friends have all fallen for Frank -  he's been a little bit of pet therapy for everyone I know. My grandfather passed away this September, but during his last few weeks I would visit him with Frank. He loved dogs too, and Frank got him up and talking like I had never seen before. 

So this year, among lots of other things, I am thankful for Frank. And I like to think he's thankful for us too. 

 For those fellow dog lovers out there we have a TON of great books on our canine friends. Including these new ones:

Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival, by Kirby Larson

Brand new, this is one of the most touching children's books I have ever read. Plus, I think the dog looks EXACTLY like Frank.

Before You Were Mine, by Maribeth Boelts

Love That Dog, by Sharon Creech

And some old favorites:

Because of Winn Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo

Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls

Shiloh, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Have a favorite dog (or animal) book or a great pet story of your own? Share it with us by commenting on this post!