When my much loved little beagle mix died at the ripe age of 14, it took me a while to decide it was time for another dog. Actually my Lab Rocky (I got him from Lab Rescue about six years ago) let me know it was time--he was lonesome too! I had a list of requirements for a dog; about 30lbs, a year or two old, female and housebroken. I went to Mutt Mingles at the shelter, checked out a few other rescue groups. One day I stopped by Pets Without Parents to check out the dogs. I met three or four dogs who were all very nice, but none of them MY dog. As I was leaving, I passed an eye-level cage that had two puppies wrestling in it when I came in. One had been adopted while I was there, and now one was left, lying sadly alone with her head on her paws. Our eyes met and--well, I was gone. She was pretty much everything I didn't want. A puppy, definitely NOT housebroken, and despite assurances that she would grow to about 35 lbs, she had feet like Shaquile, and I had my doubts. I went home to think about it for 24 hours. I called first thing in the morning on April 5  and told them I wanted Clarice.

I brought her home a few days later. She was skinny and timid and had kennel cough, but she made herself at home. The first night she spent in her crate was when I learned that she could sing. She howled for about 10 minutes, and by golly she was musical. At one point she sounded just like Ray Davies. For those of you reading this who are under 40, he was the lead singer for the Kinks. Anyhow, it sounded like she was singing the line "Lola, la la la la Lola, L-O -L-A, Lola...." That is how Clarice became Lola.

She has since grown, and grown, and GROWN. She became an irrepressible ball of puppy energy. Her ears now stand up, and her legs are a mile long. My vet tells me she will likely top out at 50 lbs. She is housebroken and enrolled in dog school where she makes me look good by getting everything right the first time. Rocky loves her and even my two cats have made peace. She's getting to be a big girl, but really, who wants to have to bend over to pet a dog? She shows promise as a therapy dog. We visit my uncle in the nursing home where she is patient and gentle with everyone. She's also obsessed with flip-flops--I'm on my third pair as I write this.

For a dog I didn't think I wanted, Lola has turned out to be the best dog I've ever lived with! (Don't tell Rocky!) Thanks to Pets Without Parents!

Best Regards,

Pam B.