Vamppuppy

Joining the world of pediatric cancer means many things -- most of them horribly negative. Thankfully, there are those who believe that kids who've been handed the raw-est of deals get to cut to first place in the "dream line". This is the case for VB, who had an opportunity through Make-A-Wish to ask for his heart's desire. When VM and I first decided to take advantage of the perk now (rather than wait for an unknown future) we weren't exactly sure what he would ask for. As VB doesn't watch TV, the typical answer of "A trip to Disney" wasn't in the cards. But we never would have guessed what his response would be on that fateful morning when we decided to ask:

VAMPMOMMY: "VB, if you could have anything in the world, anything at all, what would it be?"

VAMPBOY: (immediately and without pause) "A puppy."

VAMPMOMMY: "Uh, but son, you already have a puppy." (VD gestures lovingly to elder statemen Vampdoggy, who is presently licking his nether regions in a corner).

VAMPBOY: (with fingers in a "V" shape for emphasis) "No, mommy -- I want TWO puppies."

With that, the Wish team set out to make it so. VM and I did at least have the ability to choose the breed, so we went with a Portuguese Water Dog (PWD for those of you hooked to the grandest of games that gets underwey tonight!). We went for the wavy coated version -- well behaved, but not poodle-like.

Weeks ensued for the grand search. One breeder's pups were bread to be hunting dogs and a little more energetic than we'd like; another would only give her dogs to homes that fed their pooch a very specific, all-natural diet (it might have event involved the fresh slaying of chickens, I'm not sure). Finally, we stumbled on a breeder who seemed to have the right dog, but they had already decided to keep him themselves.

Then they called back.

Turns out that our little friend was growing into a bit of a third wheel -- not really bonding with either his mother, or the brother the breeders had also decided to keep. Knowing that they wanted their little four-legged friend to be happy and accepted into a loving home, they called the Wish Team and opened their home and heart to us.

Vampuppy is a perfect fit in any number of odd, cosmic weighs. He was stuck in the birth canal during delivery (so was VB) so he came out not breathing and had to be recusitated. While he was the biggest at birth, he has turned into the smalled of the litter, but despite his shortcomings flops around without a care in the world. His attitude and personality are so much like VB it's eerie, and the two of them have already become fast friends -- with Vamppuppy following VB around in scheer fascination, while VB instructs him in a high-pitched voice about the layout of the house and how not to chew his toys.

VP was brought home yesterday in the style, with a limo supplied by Make-A-Wish. VB is still talking ahout the "big car". There was a dinner party complete with puppy toys and puppy-themed party favores, and when it was all said and done the entire family crashed for a good nights sleep.

I'm sure the magic will wear off somewhat ("what -- what do you mean puppies have to go out to pee in the middle of the night!"), but our newest addition couldn't have been more well timed or more perfect. VB's wish wasn't the only one granted, and at a times like we live in those moments are perfection.

One last thing -- while I'm not one to use "real world" names on my blog, I do want to tell you Vamppuppy's name (that we chose): Noden . Check out why and I think you'll understand.