Happy Tails to Wilbur! (aka) Mary and Paul welcome WEBBER to their lives!

[Frannie & Callie]

Wilbur's new daddy drove all the way from Ohio to Atlanta on Friday. He and I spoke during the week to plan the big meeting (I greatly appreciated this - I am a planner and don't really like to fly by the seat of my pants!). We decided that he would come between 12:30 and 1pm on Saturday afternoon.

I had it all planned out (naturally)...Wilbur's going away party was Thursday night, I set my outlook to remind me to print out all the adoption contracts at 4pm Friday, take the dogs for a final dual romp at the big (and favorite) dog park Saturday morning, and finish up with baths (all planned to mesh with Inman Park Pet Work's charity dog wash to benefit PAWS Atlanta), then have some final snuggle time with the Wilbs before Paul (new daddy) came over.

By and large, all the plans went off without a hitch. I just had one thing happen that I wasn't anticipating...as I printed out the contracts and was filling them out, I just burst into tears. I started to cry so hard that I decided to leave the office for the day. It just wasn't REAL until that moment! I called my sister for comfort (she tried, but she wasn't very comforting...she got all rational and logical on me when really I was having an emotional crisis). Then I called Shannon at IDOG and cried to her for a few minutes. She patiently listend as I explained that I didn't want to keep Wilbur, but just couldn't imagine him not being at my house (not really a fix for that one!). Shannon was very kind and successful in talking me off the ledge (pretty sure she saw this coming from a mile away!).

So at 12:45 Saturday, Paul calls from the gate. I immediately tear up, grab control back and go and open the front door, trying to not hold Wilbur too possessively. Paul instantly is blown away by how much Wilbur looks like their previous dog, Clay, the silver standard poodle (who unfortunately passed away about a month ago). Except for the length of their faces, they could be twins. Callie of course was being her usual charming, muppety self, leaping all over Paul and Wilbur. Paul was instantly taken with Wilbur and his sweet, gentle manner. Wilbur seemed equally taken, and was giving Paul doodle kisses within a few minutes of meeting. We all hung out and I gave Paul some final instructions on Wilbur (now named Webber).

Webber, now proudly wearing his black leather collar with his name tag, posed for the picture below with his new daddy, they we all walked out the car. I gave Wilbur (sorry he just will always be Wilbur to me) a big hug and helped get him settled in the backseat of the car, said goodbye to Paul, and ran back inside so I could cry and hug Callie in privacy. I confess that Callie and I cried and moped most of the afternoon, and that there was (for me) the ultimate comforter, ice cream.

Today, I don't feel sad just incredibly happy that W is going to such a good, happy home where he will be spoiled rotten!!!

Can't wait to hear from Mary and Paul all about W's first days/week with them!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Congratulations to the Wilbs on scoring such a great new home, and big hugs to you & Callie for taking care of him and making his forever life possible!

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Awww... another happy ending! You did an amazing job with him. Thank you! He's so gorgeous and I'm sure the new family is thrilled.

[Susan]

Wilbur is one gorgeous boy! You did a good job with him and we are all proud of you and him!

[Frannie & Callie]

Webber's new home is in Cleveland Heights, OH. Not sure if that's close by y'all. Hopefully it is - would LOVE for you to get to know this sweet boy! He even knows how to play with other doodles now!

[Anna and Achilles]

Oh Frannie I'm so sorry and happy all at the same time. They look like they were meant to be together. You did a wonderful thing. Be proud of what you did for him.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

Ok so I got teary eyed reading this! I am so glad he got to go to his forever home.

I was thinking the same thing as Joanne, where in Ohio is he? We could romp!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh how emotional for all of you., How wonderful for all of you. All this is filled with loss and sorrow, found and happiness, life and love and giving.......................

I'm in Ohio. I would be glad to romp with Webber if he is near me. If you can let me know where in Ohio.

Congratulations to you all.