St. Nicholas Eve

Not everyone has put out their shoes yet but the sleepy fellow guarding him is the really big news here.  You see everyone knows that Santa cannot deliver a dog on Christmas Eve due to that sleigh being so full. So he gave Dave and I a call and we picked up this new member of our family on Saturday afternoon.

His name is Axel and he is a fifteen month old black lab who is truly a rescue dog. He has lived almost his whole life at the shelter and his clock was ticking, if you know what I mean. 

They had had some trouble placing Axel because he is very active and needs a big yard (check) lots of attention (lots of people here for that) preferably a home with children (a bunch of them here) and a firm hand (I'm told Dave and I qualify).  

The trainer literally told us he had been dreaming of a family like ours for Axel.  It was one of the rare times, when out in the world, that homeschooling is considered a bonus. "You mean the kids will be home with him – all day?"  The guy was thrilled.

So home we brought him and he fit right in. I think that we are wearing him out truth be told. They thought he was energetic but these people had not met my twins or the three year old who are currently running circles around this guy. They are just so delighted to have him. 

People who know me are shocked. I am so not a dog person.  Really. But this guy, the look on his face in that pen, well, it was necessary that he be here with us. He had been a misfit for awhile not quite fitting in anywhere and misfit we do pretty well. We are Catholic homeschoolers after all. 

So in this season of love we took a chance on a misfit and like so many risks taken in the name of love, it is working out nicely. A few bumpy moments here and there (the mailman was pretty shocked by the sudden barrage of barking much to some evil children's delight  here – the hilarity in watching the poor guy jump his own height, honestly) but all in all we are all adjusting well. Even me.

Have a happy St. Nicholas Day.

If you need some inspiration for the day, check these posts at O Night Divine.