Introducing the newest member of our family!

Our family adopted a dog today! She is a 3-year-old St. Bernard mix -- probably with border collie and/or English setter. Her name was "Greta" when we adopted her, but then we found out that the Humane Society had given her that name -- her name was actually "Sack" when she was given up by her owner a few weeks ago. (Who names a dog "Sack"?)

Anyway, we're still trying to decide on a name. John suggested simply "The Head" since that is her most prominent physical feature. We're leaning toward "Bernie" since "Bern" is German for "Bear" ("Bear" was my first name suggestion, again thanks to her gigantic head).

Katie is delighted to have a doggie to play with, and the doggie so far seems quite content to be here as well. She has endured a 2-hour car ride home and even a few fur yanks when I was trying to teach Katie how to pet gently.... oops. But so far, no snaps or nips or anything, so all seems well. The dog is incredibly strong though, so I'll still have to figure out how to walk the dog and Katie at the same time without one of us toppling over.

Here are photos of John and Katie meeting the doggie for the first time (I have the flu so my photo will not be shown here):

Here's the doggie after we brought her home:

And here are Katie and the doggie after John gave Dog a bath. Quite an adventure. Nothing like having to pick up a St. Bernard who is spreading all 4 legs as wide as possible so as not to have to go in the bathtub. I didn't get to watch since John did it all with the door closed. It's a shame. I had my camera ready for a good photo op.

I don't know who's more tired tonight -- me after a weekend alone with Katie and the flu? John after a weekend retreat where he hurt his back playing basketball and then had to wrestle a big dog into the bathtub once he got home? Or Doggie, who found a new home today?

I vote for John. But it's still time for all of us to go to bed. G'night!