And then, I got a dog.

   That's right.  I finally got a dog.  For those of you who know me, know that I technically already have a dog.  Those of you who know me better know that Roux (our adopted German Shepherd mix) is not, in fact, my dog.  She belongs 100% to my husband, who spoils her as if she were of his own flesh and blood.  Although I love Roux, she and I have a bit of an estranged relationship.  To say that she's my dog is like saying that Pluto is a planet.  Most of us believe it is, but science has proven otherwise.  (Just pretend the analogy works and move on.)

   This morning when I woke up, I had no intention of getting a dog.  J had been begging for a new dog since we had to put VooDoo to sleep.  He gave me all of 48 hours to grieve that loss before he began begging for a replacement of sorts.  For those of you who don't see the connection, let me explain.  On our base, housing only allows two pets per household.  So when VooDoo passed, that freed up a slot in our home.  As I've explained to J on many an occasion, just because we have the space doesn't mean we need to fill it.  But, after a few weeks of soul searching, I decided against another cat.  As much as I love them, and as simple as they are to care for, I've decided that I want my own dog.  I've had animals all my life growing up, from hamsters to cats and dogs, even a couple of horses, but I've never had a dog that was completely mine to care for and train.  Until Roux, but as I've mentioned, her loyalties lie elsewhere.  That's what made me begin to secretly peruse the Humane Society website for potential puppies.

    As I was scanning the adoptions section earlier today, J snuck up behind me and caught me drooling over a trio of Australian Shepherd puppies that were adoptable.  Of course, he saw his chance and pounced.  He began going on and on about how Roux needed a playmate so that she's not bored while we're at work and forced to dig holes in our yard for entertainment.  When I shot that down by pointing out that a sidekick would simply mean more and/or bigger holes, he tried another angle.  Then another.  And another.  And another.  I shot them all down valiantly; then he said, "But I'll pay for everything, and you can pick out whatever dog you want.  It will be your dog."  Sold!

     We wrote up a budget and a list of everything we need (because we're responsible about our last minute decisions), and then drove over the the Humane Society.  When we got there we found out that the Australian Shepherd puppies were not up for adoption because they were just diagnosed with worms.  We decided to have a look around anyway.  While Monkey and J looked around I was busy falling in love with a 7-year-old black labrador who looked like a giant, snuggly bear.  Then I read his story.  He was beaten with a chain by his previous owner and was neglected, but he's slowly learning to trust humans again.  I was balling like a big baby in front of his cage.  I asked a worker if I could take him out, so I was allowed to walk him around.  I was so proud of him, that I practically skipped over to J, who was less than thrilled.  The volunteer let us walk him around outside.  As we were talking about his past owner, we found out that he was heartworm positive, and although they provide the funds for most of the treatment, J was looking less and less willing.  We talked it over and decided to go home and wait for the Australian puppies to become available for adoption again.  I was ready to leave, a little heartbroken and guilty that I couldn't take on such a big responsibility like Smokey, but Monkey and J decided to go into the puppy room one more time to say goodbye.  I followed suit.

    As we were walking past the various cages, I noticed one dog that I hadn't before.  He was an adorable Dachshund mix, and he looked like he just wanted someone to cuddle him.  And so I did.  And then we bought him.  :-)

How could I say no to a face like that?

   I'm so excited!  I can't wait to bring him home.  He has to stay until Tuesday so that he can get fixed Monday, but then he'll be all ours mine! :-D


   Feeling a bit happy and peppy after my wonderful adoption day, I decided to head to the kitchen to make some Chocolate Chip Cookies (I use a tweaked version of the one found in the Better Homes and Garden Cook Book), but I found that I wanted something a little more.  So, keeping in line with my new addiction, I created these:

     That is a Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich filled with Nutella :-)  (J suggested I call them, Chocolate Nutella Awesomeness.)   I thought they were pretty great, so here's the recipe:

 3/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla OR 3/4 tsp vanilla + 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
1 (12 oz) package semisweet chocolate chips (about 2 cups)
1/2 jar (give or take) Nutella

Preheat oven to 375.  In a large mixing bowl, mix butter and shortening with electric mixer on high for about 30 seconds.  Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.  Beat until combined.  Beat in eggs and vanilla (or vanilla/almond combo).  Beat in flour.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Drop by spoonful onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper about 2" apart.  Bake 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown.  Allow to cool slightly before spreading a spoonful of Nutella onto flat side of one cookie.  Top with another cookie, and repeat until all the cookies have formed sandwiches.

Enjoy. :-)


Also, I wanted to share the link for the Humane society.  They are really great, and I highly recommend them for anyone who is in the area looking for a new pet to love.  Here it is:  http://hssm.org/


OH!  I almost forgot the best part.  Keeping with our Louisiana/Cajun theme his name is Andouille (like the sausage).  Hehe