It’s that time of year again, the time of year when I think outside of myself and my family, do something good for my community, society…the world.  Don’t get me wrong, I normally contribute to causes; donating to St. Jude’s, giving gifts to the needy at Christmas, saying ‘yes’ to the cash register lady when she asks if I’d like to donate a $1 to the March of Dimes or Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.  But I had the urge to do something bigger.  I wanted to be a foster parent.

Originally I thought about fostering a child but then I recalled the time I forgot Ana at the gym daycare and went home without her.  Just then I heard a tiny voice say “maybe you’re not qualified“. I’m pretty sure it was Ana’s.  So I decided to scale it back. Dogs.

I searched petfinder.org and craigslist until I saw this picture…

I fell in love with those warm, soft eyes (which I’m hoping isn’t glaucoma), they shouted “Save me and I’ll love you forever!”.  I read this description:

 “URGENT!  Mr. Fluffy needs foster care or an adoption today!  Rescued from a high kill shelter in KY. He is 4 yrs old, sweet, quiet, low maintenance, loves animals & all people, and only has 3 legs.”

3 Legs? 3 Legs?  I found my dog!

Question: What makes you feel more altruistic than taking in a foster dog?

Answer: Taking in a foster dog with only 3 legs!

So yesterday we met the rescue lady at Petco.  We were a few minutes early and stood around waiting for her.

Brian:  Do you know what the lady looks like?

Me: Nope

Brian: Well,  how will you know who she is?

Me:  Umm, I’m kinda assuming she’ll be the person walking a 3-legged dog.

Brian: Good point.  Does she know what you look like?

Me: Nope

Brian: Good.  I suggest we treat this like a blind date.

Me: What do you mean?

Brian:  When she walks in, we’ll check out the dog.  If we don’t think he’s good looking then we walk out the door and text her that we had to cancel.

Me:  You’re awful….Ok, maybe.

They walked in, and he was an adorable little thing.  Customers were stopping left and right to pet him, he was the getting all the sympathy petting.  I bet a single guy could use him to get a lady or two in the sack. He’s up for adoption fellas *wink wink*

We brought Mr. Fluffy home and he seamlessly fit into our household.  Mr. Bojangles was happy to meet him and was trying his best to remain calm, while our cat looked on in confusion.  Did I ever mention that our cat is beautiful and dumb? Dumb as a brick.  But I’ll save his stories for another time.

The kids were so excited!

Collin: Can he sleep in my room tonight?

Me: Sure.

Collin: I’m going to teach him all sorts of tricks!

Me: Ok, but just don’t ask him to give you his paw.

Collin: Well not with his right paw, because he doesn’t have one.

Me: Um, not with his left either because he’ll fall on his face.

Collin: oh, right. (I swear Collin really is a bright kid)

Mr. Fluffy seems to be very comfortable here.  He gets around remarkably well for only having 3 legs and everyone likes him.  But there was a moment when the neighbor’s dog thought he was a bunny, you know, because of all the hopping.  He started to bark and chase Mr. Fluffy, but quickly stopped when he witnessed our 3-legged friend tip over while peeing. The dog tilted his head like “WTF?”, and just sat there…”dude, that sucks”.

Now we’re at the point in the post where I ask you to consider adopting Mr. Fluffy.  He’s a wonderful dog, great with children, animals, people, etc.  He’s laid back and easy going in almost every situation.  I can totally see him being a wonderful therapy dog.

I would be so grateful if you would forward this post to anyone you think might be interested in adopting him.

Ok, now the contest.

Name That Dog!!!

The original shelter gave him the name Tripod, which I thought was kinda accurate but cruel.  And the rescuer gave him the name Mr. Fluffy.  The problem is, we already have a “Mr.” so every time we call “Mr.”, Mr. Bojangles comes running…and he’s getting pretty damn pissed.

The lady said she’s only had him for 4 days so he doesn’t answer to any name; we’re free to make one up.  This is a huge responsibility and we’re looking for your help!

Please submit a name (or names) suggestion in the comments section below, or through my facebook page, or twitter.  If your awesome name is selected you’ll receive a $25 iTunes gift card AND…wait for it… a free Jr. Frosty coupon from Wendy’s (exp. 2/1/11)!

Put a Santa hat on that pumpkin and it’s a great holiday teacher’s gift.

Mr.Fluffy/Tripod thanks you for your help!