Everyone who knows me is aware that I love dogs….especially puppies.

Everyone who knows me also knows that we have two big lab dogs, Gabby and Josie, which we have had for 12 and 11 years, respectively.

They still are in decent health and manage to get it all together to chase squirrels, rabbits or cats whenever they come across them. They still enjoy their morning run with Ron, although it is now more of an amble than a run.

They are well-behaved, loving and good-natured dogs that bless our lives daily.

So what are we doing getting another pup?

I have a bad habit of going on the Humane Society website and scanning through the dogs that are available for adoption. Several times I have considered going to get a puppy, and have come to my senses before I made such a deal.

For a few weeks there has been one light chocolate colored puppy with beautiful white markings that has been in foster care, along with his three siblings, since the death of their mother.

I see his pictures on the website and I can’t get him out of my head. So, like a fool, I call and ask about him. On Sunday, the foster mother brought him to the Walmart parking lot to meet us. It was pretty much love at first sight, although I soon realized that I am 11 and 12 years older than I was when we went through the puppy stages before. He is with us on a trial basis, I insist.

Mario (Yes, we gave him an Italian name to fit in with Gabriella and Josephina)

is good natured and sweet. There have been no growls, fights or flying of fur with the others so far. Josie has, through her posture and stance, let him know without any doubt that she is the alpha. That is just fine with him and he follows her everywhere. She tolerates that well. Gabby is not so sure. When Mario cries, Gabby also cries. She has never liked to hear dogs bark or whine. It makes her anxious.

And, of course, on his first night in the crate he cried off and on.

I am still making up my mind about him, but when I got up Monday morning, I found Ron asleep in his recliner with a sleeping Mario in his lap. I think they have definitely bonded.

Our local Humane Society has many wonderful animals of all ages and sizes available for adoption, and looking for someone to take them home and love them.

It is time to open our hearts and homes to these sweet creatures and give them a chance at a good life.