Finding homes is like dating

So last week, when I left for Vegas, Daca had what I thought were five interested leads. Generally what happens is someone inquires off of a post or my website or a referral. I come back to them very honestly about why she is here and what she's up to - and these people are usually undeterred, many have rescue or behavior backgrounds and that means that I'd be comfortable sending her to them.

And then . . . nothing. And I mean, nothing.

It makes me wonder how rude our culture has become. I wrote a book about all my bad first-date experiences and the whole debacle feels about the same. Wow, I like this guy a lot - I wonder if this is going anywhere? Wait by the phone. Of course, you don't wait by the phone because you are stellar and the dude knows it, so maybe he's just busy . . .

So it goes with the Daquiri. She is a frickin' stellar puppy. I like living with her and training her and I like how she's all cute and roly poly while being an easy keeper. I like her structure. I like what I saw on sheep. I like what I see when I ask her to do her tricks. I have no clue why people who know her history and like her pedigree and her looks and her videos suddenly disappear.

I mean, you could at least be like, "No, thank you."

So, dear reader, that's your job for the day - remember that when you inquire after something to not just disappear, let the person get some dang closure - "No, thank you!"

So I really hate dating. Hate it. Who are you, sir, that you wish to take away from my already full life with your own interests and needs and baggage? Who are you, sir, that you ask that I should open up my world up to you - that you won't even hold the door or call when you say you will? I never get how people tolerate less than stellar people in their lives when dating. But say one of these less-than-stellar guys rejects me? OH MY GOD, what did I do wrong? Maybe I'm too fat, or not girlish enough or . . .

and you know what? I'm better than that. I know after all these years that rejection isn't of you, it's the person's baggage disallowing them to see you, the person. Rejection has nothing to do with you.

So I have to keep telling myself that about Daca. Who are you, person, that you deserve a puppy of the caliber of Daca, that you can accept who she is with all her quirks and foibles and still love her? And Kristin, what are you doing wrong? Nothing. There's nothing wrong with your approach - you're being honest and friendly and open. You're looking for someone that really, really wants her. You will not have her returned again. If those losers don't call or if you said something wrong, it's their problem, not yours.

So currently I've got no leads on her and I'm about to enter adventure race season. One this weekend, and then a tri in two weeks and then a race in two more weeks. I do not have much faith that she'll be leaving us any time soon. I wish I had more time to train her right now. But, she's a happy puppy who gets lots of fun times out, has a sister and momma to play with when I'm busy, and lots of running and hiking to do. Yishai comes over on my work days and takes them all to the park. It's not the situation I want for Daca, but I guess that's good enough.