Eli, Part II, Hide Your Heart

It had been far too long since I'd had a dog.  As much as I loved my husband and kids, my heart ached for more.  I needed a furry companion.

Days crawled by despite my busy schedule.  I was working full time while raising an eight year old and a two year old.  It was November of 2001 and the holidays were fast approaching.

Since meeting Eli on November 8th, I had thought of little else.  The play ran for 10 days so I knew, and I warned my boys, that we would not find out if he would be coming to live with us until after the 18th. 

The Humane Society had asked for references and the name of our Veterinarian, if we had one. We did since we had two cats.  

A few days after the play ended, I still had not heard any news so I called our Vet with a random question to ask. The call was really an excuse to inquire if anyone had contacted them regarding us adopting a rescue.  And wouldn't you know it?  Someone just had.

Well then.

At least the ball was moving.  

Any day now.

But days passed without a word.

Disappointed, we headed South for Thanksgiving.  What if they called us while we were away?

No messages on our machine when we returned.  No mail.  No reason to go out and buy a red collar and a basket full of dog toys.

On the last day of November, I hosted a Christmas party for the people I worked with.  My husband took our kids to their favorite Uncle's house and I was busy showing the caterer where to set up when the phone rang.

The wait was over.

I fell to my knees.

I could not contain my excitement when I was told our family had been chosen.  I screamed.  I cried joyful tears.  I profusely thanked the nice lady and prayed she wouldn't think I was a crazy woman and change her mind.  

I'm pretty sure the caterer thought I was nuts.  He was slightly amused but he totally refused to sing along with me. 

"Eli's comin', better hide your heart now!  Eli's com-ing!"

Maybe he just wasn't a fan of Three Dog Night.

After the party, when my family got home, I told them the happy news.  They were overjoyed.

While we were waiting to hear if he would be ours or someone else's, they were giving everyone an equal chance to welcome this boy home.  References were checked, veterinarians were called, there were address visits to make sure backyard fences were in place although it was clearly stated that Eli was to be an indoor dog.  

Out of all those families that wanted him, they picked us.  

Us.

For the first time in twenty-two days, I could relax.  

And for the first time in a very long time, I felt complete.

To Be Continued...