I'm A New Mom Again, Sans Stretch Marks & Morning Sickness

In a matter of a few weeks, I've become a new mom again.

No one could have expected it, frankly it just happened. Somehow I found a new 40-lb. baby in my embrace without gaining any weight, buying maternity clothes or getting any stretchmarks. Hallelujah! But even without the nine months of morning sickness, weird cravings and swollen ankles, I love my new baby just the same ...

After a 1-month plus obsessive search for a new dog, I found her. The new love of my life, Marnie. She is the rescue dog I happened upon after an exhaustive search online, in the shelters, on Craigslist, etc. I was a woman on a mission, kinda like when you need to find the perfect pair of black shoes to go with that awesome dress you found on the sale rack. Except this search was fueled by love, the kind of love that makes your heart flutter.

I was determined to find the perfect new pet to add to my family. And I did and I honestly cannot explain how full my heart feels over our new dog :)

My family had a dog a long time ago, and I will be the first to admit, it was during a time when I was transitioning into my teenage years and stuck in the "me" world. I wasn't ready, I didn't realize how much love and care it takes to be a good pet owner. So this time things will be a lot different. 

Those who know me, know that when I throw my heart and mind into something, I live and breathe it relentlessly. That said, once I set out to find a new dog, the people at the Downey Animal Shelter basically started giving me the "friend head nod" when they saw me. You know, because I was visiting so often. There were lots of great dogs and puppies there but none that I connected with immediately. I am all about connections when I first come face to face with someone, I sort of know immediately if things are going to click. Well I had no luck, but I will say, there are sssoooooo many wonderful dogs and cats at the shelters who need homes. It is definitely the first place I would suggest a person visit when you're looking for a new furry friend to add to your family.

In my case, we eventually found our baby girl on the website PetHarbor.com -- which scours local shelters and animal welfare/rescue groups for potential pets. Marnie happened to be rescued by a wonderful woman named Joni of the Ozzy Pet Foundation during an adoption event at Petsmart in Whittier. Marnie was there with a bunch of other dogs and for those who didn't get adopted that day, they were going to be euthanized. Thankfully Joni, pulled Marnie off the truck and brought her home. She has been with Joni for more than a year, not having found the right family for her ... until now. 

So here I am, feeling like a new mom again. She has seriously taken up most of the space in my heart lately :) Marnie is a Jindo mix -- a unique hunting dog breed from Korea. She is beyond smart, almost too smart, and frankly, she's just an AWESOME dog. 

Adopting a rescue pet is such a wonderful experience. It feels so good knowing that I've adopted a pet that was on the brink of being put to sleep. As a bonus, this little bundle of energy has gotten me off my butt and away from the computer for her twice-a-day walks. So you will likely see Marnie and I traversing the streets of Cerritos-Artesia, especially if you're in the Cerritos Regional Park area. 

As a side note, I'm now on the hunt for cool places to take my dog. I know The Lazy Dog Cafe at Los Cerritos Center is one place we will definitely visit. But what are some other places in the area that are dog-friendly? And, do you think Cerritos should have a dog park?