Piper-Jack?

We paid a visit to Piper on Wednesday, to tell her that we would be picking her up in a week and that she should be preparing herself mentally for the transition ... and also that we have a cat.

She seemed unconcerned about these matters, and was more interested in checking out an in-ground water sprinkler. She also likes to run a lot, and since we don't, we'll probably have to work out some compromises on that front. Rent-a-runner, perhaps. Her brother in the picture, currently named "Jack Black" by the breeder, will be going home with a friend of ours, so perhaps there will be opportunities for "family play days" in the future.

In the meantime, she grows a little cuter each week, even as our to-buy list for doggie items continues to expand. We'll bring her home on June 4 -- nearly 17 years since we brought a puppy (Ben) home. Questions arise: Will we be up to the job? Can an 8-week old Golden Retriever outsmart the two of us? Yes and Yes, no doubt ... but we do think that Ben would be pleased that we have taken the plunge again.