The post office box was empty again. Little Lassie’s birth parents have not contacted us in several months. I’m ashamed to say a part of me was relieved, but a larger part of me was angry and disappointed to see the vacant box. I imagine they will come back into our lives when they are ready, but what about us? Are we supposed to wait around until they are ready? Logically, I know the answer to that is yes, but I’m not a big enough person to like the idea.

I’m not ignorant of the trauma that Little Lassie’s birth parents have experienced or are experiencing. I’m just being honest about how it feels to be me, an adoptive parent. I’ll leave it at that for now.

Finally arrived back to civilization and found no internet or phone working at home. Am currently using the free wifi at the local grocery store. Little Lassie is chatting up a storm and bringing life to this annoyingly urban coffee shop. Those clad in business suits nearby may not appreciate her utterances, but I’m proud that she is making the best of a boring situation. Must take lessons from her and stop being so glum that I’m off the grid again.

Am making lists of things to do at home while offline.
1. laundry
2. sort through teacher stuff from classroom
3. eat chocolate
4. watch lifetime

Those that know me in real life know I’m more than a sucker for stray animals. I am an animal lover- to a fault. I’m a vegetarian because although I love meat and lovely leather shoes and purses, I simply can’t support factory farming, but thats a whole other post entirely.

Today, I need your help. The other day I saw a stray dog on the road and didn’t get to it fast enough, she walked away into the woods. I could tell this was a beat up old mother dog who had too many litters as evidenced by her sagging stomach. This evening, she was outside our door with 2 of her puppies. The mother walked away, the puppies stayed. We fed them and gave them water. They are the sweetest, friendliest dogs, but they are also suffering from wounds, fleas and ticks. After dinner, the female walked off, probably in search of her mother who couldn’t be far. The male continues to sleep on our side patio. I was outside for a while and he followed me where ever I walked.

I’m hopeful the dogs will be here in the morning and I can begin the process of establishing trust and cleaning them up. I’m not familiar with this area and don’t know where to go from here. There are no no-kill shelters that I’m aware of. We are in the south west part of Virginia and need help finding a shelter or homes for these lovely dogs. I will pay for their care and transport if anyone is willing to take them. Please email or comment with ideas or strategies. I’m hesitant to put them on petfinder because we are going out of town soon and my MIL (who’s home we are staying in) does not know we are feeding the dogs. She lives in a new home 40 minutes away. Also, this is an area with dog fighting and I simply don’t know the people and culture well enough to pick an appropriate home. I need a safe, reliable plan soon. Any ideas?

Here are some pictures of the darlings (with my darlings.)