Monday, February 11, 2008

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.

13 comments:

Meg said...

oh my god! so cute! TWO dogs in the house?!! how is that going?!

Lainey-Paney said...

That is a sweet and wonderful wish. I'm so happy for you guys & the new addition to the Vamp Family.

Papa Bradstein said...

Sooooo cute! Great name. When he does something wrong, I suppose that it's, "No, Noden." But what about when he does something right..."Yes, Noden."

nyjlm said...

Here's to many years of health and friendship for Vampboy and Vamppuppy.

Francesca Giessmann said...

cant wait for us to move to a house and leonardo be a bit older so we can have a puppy...
hey ,,,i started my 8 of 8.. thanks again

Henitsirk said...

You mean he's not named for the Lord of the Great Abyss? :)

What a wonderful thing for a little boy. My son would probably give up all his toys for a puppy.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the new addition! Looking forward to meeting him...

xoxo
P

Steve said...

Awesome puppy and even more awesome name. Congrats.

heather~* said...

I can't think of anything more fitting. :) I'm so happy for you guys. :)

Anonymous said...

Little VB had a grrreat idea for his wish! Now he has a new forever friend. Hope you all are doing super fine.
I feel like I know you guys and love reading your blog!
Greetings from SoCal.
Joanne

Performing Images; Photography by Pat Corlin said...

Welcome Vamppuppy/Noden... a gift from the Gods....Just like Vampbaby! How perfect!

Lainey-Paney said...

Happy Valentine's Day to the Vamps!

~Lainey-Paney

Robin & Arnie said...

Dogs are beneficial in so many ways. They are faithful; they are unconditional. Most importantly they possess an ESP about the well-being of those they are closest to.

What a beautiful gift. Peace to you all.

Arnie
- Running for VB