Puppy? Puppies?

I wasn't really sleepy last night, so I spent some time searching the Internet for a puppy. Since Blossom's death, Margo and I have been talking about getting another English Springer Spaniel. We just love the breed, and we're totally missing that furry example of unconditional love in our lives. The house just feels empty without a dog running around. Margo and I have even decided that we'd consider getting two puppies this time if the price was right. But we would want one black & white and one liver & white, both females. Kind of a narrow criteria.

We've already been in contact with a couple of breeders who have great Springers with championship bloodlines. There are even litters coming soon, and one of them is very close to where we live. But we're a bit concerned about the high price such pedigrees will demand.

So imagine my delight when I stumbled into a listing of even more Springer breeders along the east coast, some with litters that are available right now. One of them even has exactly what we're looking for (though he didn't have any pictures posted, so we couldn't check out the markings). I was so excited that I barely slept last night because I wanted to greet Margo with the news as soon as she woke up. (And, yes, she stirred just enough sometime before dawn for me to ask "Are you awake yet?" and begin the day with dreaming together and even browsing pictures of puppies on my laptop while we were still snuggled under the covers.)

I have no idea of any of these puppies will work out and join our family, or if we'll continue to wait for a couple of litters that are coming our way. But just the thought of pursuing a new dog or two has me pretty excited. I'm convinced that dogs are one of God's greatest blessings for mankind -- great big fuzzy bundles of tactile love whose very lives are focused on sharing fun and adventures with their owners.

Boy, I miss our dog. And I can't wait for the sounds of scurrying paws in the house again.