Meeting Meeska

My son has decided he wants to adopt a dog.  He shares my love of animals and has been around dogs pretty much his entire life.  So, I was not surprised that he wanted one of his own.  Even though he is 28, we had the "responsibility" talk.  Yes there are many joys to owning a pet, but also many responsibilities.  My husband says it is like living with "toddlers", they always need something.  Once I was convinced he understood and was ready for all that comes with doggie ownership.....I gave my blessing and suggested we check the local shelter. 
Once at the shelter, we were allowed to go back to where the adoptable dogs were kept.  This is very hard for me.....because I want to take each and everyone of them home.  It was also little overwhelming.....lots of barking...the noise was deafening.  We went through one room and then down a hall to another and it was there we found "Meeska".  Meeska is a Siberian Husky.......she has beautiful blue eyes.  She was quiet and quickly came to stick her nose through the cage and lick our hands....tail waging.  I kinda knew we had found "the" dog.  We went back out to the desk to ask about her and much to our surprise....no one seemed to have much information.  Apparently we had wondered into an area we were not to be in and they were not even sure if Meeska was available for adoption at this point.  She had just come in a few days ago.....found wondering the streets.  I knew she was a stray.....she was very thin.....you could easily see her ribs.  They told us to call back later in the day and they would be able to tell us if and when she would be available....so we waited.  Later that day, the phone call was made.  Meeska was available....she had passed her temperament test and was up to date on all but her rabies vaccine.  I told Sam the next step was to go spend sometime with Meeska and make sure she was the one.  The next day we found ourselves back at the shelter.....where we were formally introduced to Meeska.  We found her to be very sweet and loving and oh so excited to see us again.  I looked her over.....she is thin, very dirty, and in heat.  I took her through some basic commands and was pleasantly surprised that she knows....sit and lay down.  She also stayed right by my side as I walked her around the room.  Her only bad habit was jumping up, but she is a smart dog and she will respond well to more training.  I told Sam this was a good choice....and he felt the same.  Back at the front desk, Sam completed the adoption papers and arrangements were made for her to be spayed.  We also asked that they give her a bath before she goes for the surgery.....otherwise she won't be able to be bathed til after the stitches are removed.  She really needs a bath and a good brushing.  If all goes according to plan, Sam will pick Meeska up from the vet Saturday.  Then the fun really begins!  I will be writing all about it and I will have some photos to share as well.  One last note....I know times are tough for a lot folks, but if you can give anything at all.....your money.....your time.....a bag of food....I'm sure your local shelter would really appreciate it.  Even the smallest kindness can make a difference in an animal's life.  Think about it!