Letting Chip Go

How did I get so very attached so quickly? It has only been a week since I brought Chip home, two weeks since I pulled him out of Stautzenberger with a muzzle on his face. But we have made a long journey together. He has become a (almost) civilized dog. He knows (sort of) how to love his people in ways that they like. Chip has found being part of a household very much to his liking. He learned that there are rules, and that it helped to follow them.

Tonight we met his Permanent Foster Dad, Neil, in Akron. Chip nuzzled Neil very optimistically. And Chip and I had good snuggles. But the confused look Chip gave me as they pulled away in the car is hard to erase. I know that Chip will do well with Neil, Barb, and their dogs, Ollie and Piper. He will be an even better dog in another two weeks. But it was kind of like breaking up with your first boyfriend...

This weekend, Chip met a couple who fell in love with him and have committed to making him a permanent part of their family when they return from a long-planned trip in two weeks. So Chip actually has a Forever Home waiting for him after "finishing school" at Neil and Barb's. The couple was so impressed with Chip's good behavior!! And with his enthusiasm for people. And they very much liked how Chip listened to me when I spoke to him. "Of course," I thought, "he's figured out how to survive in this world!"

It is much quieter here now with just Jelly and Emma, who was finally enjoying wrestling with Chip. It's a little TOO quiet...