We have a dog again!

May 26, 2025Macy M1249 views

This is, by a lot, the longest I’ve ever been without a dog in my life. We just crossed the two year mark since Denver passed away. I’ve thought long and hard about another Great Dane, they are the best. I’ve thought about rescues. I’ve thought about other breeds. I still just miss my D dog! But I also miss having a dog.

Fortunately, I promised these kids of ours their own dog at 12. Hazel is just about there and we thought this summer is a timely space to jump start that promise, while she’s out of school.

I planted the seed. It sprouted immediately in Hazel. James took a bit longer. He likes dogs but he’s also happy without the obligation. Miles is team dog – so long as he doesn’t have to pick up poop.

Hazels been researching

She has dived head first into the responsibility. I’ve pointed her to breeds I think she’d like. We’ve visited shelters. We’ve met breeders. She’s put lots of thought into this and she’s been steering the ship with support and encouragement from me. She’s had awesome restraint in not getting swept up in the excitement and is taking it all very seriously. Not rushing into anything too fast.

This weekend she found her buddy

She’s an AKC golden retriever who is an independent thinker and also freaking adorable. Her momma is named Elenor Lavender Lilac, ‘Elly’ for short. Her daddy is named Thomas Jefferson, ‘TJ’ for short. These names are funny because recently Hazel has a toy dino she carries around everywhere called Thomas Jefferson. Additionally, she names EVERYTHING lavender or lilac (or rose). So it’s wild that Artemis has parents with those names.

When we agreed that this was the dog for us, the breeder asked if she had a name picked out and they will start calling her the name. When Hazel said Artemis (greek goddess of the hunt and the moon), Artemis barked a tiny bark. It was the only bark we heard from anyone in the whole visit. To us, Artemis confirmed her approval for the whole thing. Then she went to sleep.

She’s the one not sleeping in the puppy pile (the independent thinker)

Artemis is a little dependent on her momma still and won’t get to come home until June 21; which happens to be our family-versary (anniversary) so she’ll be just in time for our annual family photo. Also strange, she’s has the same birthday as DenverDog, just a few years removed.

I think she’s going to be a magical addition to our family. Hazel is really excited! (So am I!)