It was bittersweet taking the dog back today. His person was clearly relieved to have him back. I'm so glad he has such a great place to be...without me.

Biology trumped all my other concerns when his carpet allergy bloomed into a bright red rash and bumps. I thought the vet was grasping at straws...I've never heard of such a thing...but the Dx appears to be dead on. Just 45 minutes in my 100% carpeted home and he was itching and scratching.

Also, he was very nervous getting into my friend's car and I had to pick him up. I'd been told that he was around 50lbs. If that dog is less than 70-75, I'd be shocked. I simply could not pick him up. In fact, I think I wrenched my neck in the attempt.

For a guy with mobility problems, I just can't imagine being any sort of help.

Bartleby weighed 40 and I could 'fireman' carry him when needed.

Sigh.

Back to the 'personals.'

I'm sorry this was not the right dog for you, bonny - but I am glad that you knew it before making a decision that would make things tougher. Lots of warm thoughts from me, and purrs from Harvey, who just now jumped up onto my forearms and started his motor going.

Thanks, Hon. The friend who drove us out to meet his 'mom' kept saying, "He's so sweet, are you suuuuuure?"

Supportive in a not so much sort of way...but still heroic for trekking a half hour in each direction.

He really is sweet. An actual lapdog, which Bartleby never was...but at his bruiser weight, the lap sitting wasn't so much fun.

Thank Harvey for the validation. It's nice to hear from the kitty caucus.

I'm feeling horribly homesick, missing Tom and parades and Mardi Gras and New Orleans. But I also have a representative from the Kitty caucus, my parents' elderly cat Beeblebrox. I actually adopted him and his brother Arthur in the summer of 1995, after graduating college. I had to foist them off on my folks when my living situation changed, but it worked out ok- they love the life of the non-urban outdoor Kitty. Arthur passed away a few years ago, but Beeblebrox has mellowed into a total love.

He can be a good dog and still not be the right dog for you! He'll find the right person, and you'll find the right dog.

bonny, bittersweet is the right word, but your instincts are strong, and you'll know a better match just as surely as you knew that, yes, you need another dog. And that boy will find someone out there who is just right for him. (Someone who doesn't mind slobber, which is an absolute showstopper for me, but some people actually find it endearing. Go fig.)

Thanks so much for the slobber validation too! It makes me feel less shallow when I say...honestly, I don't care about anything that comes out of a dog...except for slobber. Really. Yuck.

Thankfully, he HAS a great person. She just felt guilty for keeping him. So I'm glad to give her the opportunity to exercise her need to give him a different chance. I know now that he'll never show up on Petfinder again. Plus, since she is the director of an SPCA, I'm certain he will get great care, forever.

bonny, I'm so glad that the dog audition helped confirm that you're ready to have another pooch in your life. The right one will come along, and probably sooner than you think, and that will be one incredibly lucky dog.

The weight is another legitimate concern, bonny. I did bad things to my back when my 50-pound and 75-pound dogs were in their last illnesses.

wrod.