Our Lucky Penny

We have a new dog in our household - Penny, our Lab/Irish Setter/Mutt of a girl who is simply wonderful! We just happened upon her at the local humane society (while we were "just looking" - HA! Has anyone walked out of there without a pet before??), but we couldn't have asked for a better dog! We think she is around 1-year-old, but she has these gorgeous brown eyes that seem to have already lived a lifetime.

She came with the name Penny, and she's proving the old saying correct more and more each minute about how your luck will change if you pick up a stray penny.

When we were tossing around other name ideas, Hannah chimed in with the name Nonny. As if bringing a dog home isn't fraught with enough emotions in and of itself, this one pulled on the heart strings even further. "Nonny" is Jeff's grandmother figure, but is actually his Great Aunt Ethel. She is by far the sweetest woman I have ever met. She just emanates kindness and compassion and has had such a positive impact on everyone who knows her. We were absolutely thrilled when the girls got to meet Ethel this past weekend while she and Jeff's parents were in town for a funeral, and Hannah hasn't stopped talking about her since. As far as temperament goes, the name Nonny would fit perfectly as Penny is just so full of love and absolutely adores the girls - even with all the eye pokes, hair pulling and strangling hugs that they dole out. But, while it was the highest compliment Hannah could give anyone, we were afraid Ethel may not take to having a dog named after her!

So lucky Penny stuck, and we are enjoying every moment with her! Hannah has woken up in the middle of the night each night since we first saw her she's been so excited about "her puppy." (I'm hoping that can be toned down a bit, actually!)

I wasn't sure we were ready for another dog as it has only been a few months since we lost Eve, but Penny has lifted our spirits more in the past few days than we thought imaginable. Hannah says it best - "It's gonna be a fun day today, Ma Ma!" Hee hee!!!!