Goddamn puppy breath. →[More:]I went around and around trying to decide about getting another dog after Lacey died. I was heartbroken, I was lonely, but I didn't want my reason for getting another dog was that I missed Lacey. How soon is too soon, how will I know I'm ready?

I talked it over with friends and family and got a good mixed reaction. My mother thought two months would be a good amount of time, my friend thought I was crazy for not having one immediately, my partner thought it might help, my coworker thought I needed to give my heart a break.

I was leaning more toward waiting a bit. Until. My coworker announced that her miniature schnauzer / blue heeler mixed litter were right at 8 weeks and she was needing homes for them. All it took was some puppy breath and last night I brought a puppy home. I won't claim that I didn't cry a little seeing the puppy eating right where Lacey did, lying in Lacey's spots. But it's nice having another tiny warm body in the apartment.

She's 1.05 lbs, about 8 inches long. We haven't known her long enough to know her personality more than she loves people and likes to eat, pee, and sleep. Just like any baby.

And just like any baby, she needs a name.