Anna

  It had only been a few months since our  Cindy, a wonderful family dog, died, but it seemed longer. I am one of those who believe you honor your pet's memory when you recognize you need that kind of love and friend in your life - and also save another life. I decided it was time.
   This time I wanted a dog who would be my dog first and the family dog second. I started looking at pictures and bios of shelter dogs online. My daughter Debi found me sitting in front of a computer screen of dog pictures crying and said , "Let's go."
   Debi, Benjamin, and I visited every shelter in the area. I was drawn to a number of dogs, but for one reason or another felt they were not for me/us. There was a lovely female pitbull I nearly chose which is funny because while I think pits are wonderful dogs, it is not a look I especially like. But there was the concern about the grandkids and not knowing this poor girl's history. I am not am experienced enough handler to be confident with a dog that  might need expert handling. Besides, I had had to carry Cindy a few times near the end of her life and I realized that in 10 plus years I could have difficulty unless I had a smaller dog. Of course, you know how well that went! But I left the pittie and all the others. Each dog I did not choose tore at my heart as if I were personally responsible for killing them.
  We reached the last kennel at the last shelter - the kennel for sick dogs. I couldn't face it. I stood outside sobbing. Poor Benjamin tried to comfort me while Debi went in. She insisted I come in and see one particular dog. It was one of the pups I had bookmarked on the computer! She was the one. A sweet Black Lab.
  Benjamin and I had been reading Black Beauty. He suggested we name the dog Black Beauty. I countered with idea that we name her aft the author Anna Sewell.
  I don't remember if we met her in the yard that day or when we came back. We decided to ask Ruth to meet her because we wanted her to be comfortable about the dog and her young children. Ruth told us that she would trust our judgement.
  I adopted Anna on my birthday.