The New Assistant Sous Chef

As I alluded to in the previous post, we brought back a couple souvenirs from Evanston. The most important one I want to share with you is... (drumroll please)

Our new Assistant Sous Chef Rocco! (Applause)



Here is Rocco's story.

For the past couple of years, I've been badgering Dean for a second dog. Yes, we really need an extra guard dog. Yes, Zoe needs a little sibling so she doesn't suffer from "only child" syndrome. Yes, of course I will take full responsibility for training and housetraining. So, I've always had my heart set on a second miniature dachshund.

Fast forward to last week. My plane lands in Chicago, and I call Dean to let him know I've arrived. He tells me that as soon as I drop my luggage off, we're heading to the pet store. Apparently, he and his sister had stopped in at one of the local pet stores Thee Fish Bowl to pick up something for her dog. Venturing into the store, they came upon one little puppy who was holding his own against 6 other larger puppies. I think Dean fell in love right then and there.

As soon as I met him a couple hours later, I fell in love, too. He was such a sweetheart. And look at that face! How could anyone resist? I named him Rocco right then and there. Doesn't he look like a Rocco? (Actually, I wanted to name him Viggo, but Dean exercised his power of veto). Over the course of our vacation in Chicago, we stopped back into the pet store 4 more times as we wrestled with the decision of whether or not we really were ready for a second dog. With heavy heart, I told Dean that it probably was not a good idea for us to get Rocco. He agreed.

Thank goodness we both came to our senses. On the last night of our trip, we frantically rushed around trying to make all the arrangements (payment, airfare, veterinary visit, etc.) Luckily, were able to bring Rocco in the airplane cabin, and he was a complete trooper the entire flight back to San Francisco. He only whimpered a bit during take-off, but he slept almost the entire trip to his new home.

The first question that all my friends ask when they find out about our newest addition is "How is Zoe adjusting?" In all honesty, Dean and I were a bit concerned that there may be some drama between the two. We were right. Zoe actually jumped on top of Rocco's carrier when they were first introduced. The first hour was filled with lots of growling and posturing. But, eventually, the two have come to love each other. (Or at least tolerate each other).

The other night, Rocco was whining in his crate in the kitchen. Zoe jumped off the sofa to go check on him and came running back into the bedroom whining. She wouldn't stop whining until we went into the kitchen to check on Rocco. He was fine (just being a bit of a drama queen). But it was great to see Zoe show concern for her little brother. (Of course, she might also have been thinking - "Will you make that thing shut up! He's getting on my nerves.")

We do have to constantly watch them to make sure Rocco doesn't try to eat Zoe's food or play with her toys. This would definitely set her off. But, for the most part, the two are getting along fine. The two of them are actually sleeping soundly on either side of me as I'm writing this post.

So here's a fun little game for all you IsItEDiblers...

1) Guess what kind of dog Rocco is.
2) Guess how much he weighs.

Answers will be posted early next week. In the meantime, be sure to check out Weekend Dog Blogging hosted by Sweetnicks tomorrow night.