When I lost my beloved Gibson in early June, I wasn’t sure if my little food blog was the place to talk about it…but over the years Gibson’s been on my blog, here and there. When we’ve been on vacations, or walks, and you’ve heard about, from time to time, the food he’s eaten – especially the food destined to be photographed! He’s just always been a little part of my blog and a big part of my life.

Gibson Snoozing

When he passed, many of you stopped by and commented and I felt enveloped by warmth and felt so much less…alone.

Some of you were virtual strangers who took a moment or two to say just the right thing and there were many who, although we’ve never met in person, I think of as friends. You shared some very dark times with me in the few days after Gibby’s death, and I thank you.

So now I want to share the newest member of my “family” with you. There’s a meaning behind his name, by the way. As I trolled dog sites, often sobbing, because that’s the way to get over the death of your dog…NOT! I came across a Labrador pup.

Chance at the Humane Society

Chance at the Humane Society

Whaaat? It’s such a rarity for a purebred pup to be at a Humane Society, I was flabbergasted. And it was a yellow Labrador just like Gibs! A beautiful boy with sad, sad eyes.

What were the chances of that happening? This place was about four hours away from me – quite a ways, but still a reasonable distance. I just couldn’t help but think that I could put a smile in his eyes…

Chance first day home.

I sent an email or two and put in an application like six times, and they failed. My sister volunteered at this very same shelter years ago. What were the chances that this one labrador puppy was at that particular shelter?

And that they had my emails in front of them when she called? They did tell her that they always get recommendations like this, and they have to consider all applicants and get all the facts… but hey, it couldn’t hurt, right? I know she really talked me up.

Chance 1st day home

So my sis called me and said you HAVE to get your application in. They were impressed with your emails but over a thousand people have applied for him. I upped my game. I wrote a letter, oh, just about five pages or so, lol!

I talked about how I was practically raised by dogs, about my philosophy towards raising and training. About my former dog, Bear. And mostly about Gibs and the incredible journey Gibs & I embarked upon together. And I thought what are the chances? About a snowball’s chance in you know what!

Chance, first day home.

I drove 30 minutes into Sioux Falls (the closest place) and faxed my “treatise” in with my application and a photo of Gibson. They called the Friday before last, asked about vet records of all my animals, called the vets, and said they had several applicants they were considering. And then I heard nothing.

They were open on Saturday, closed on Sunday and Monday. I was sure he’d been given to someone else. I was sure they thought I was a nut job, fruitcake, loony toons. By now they’d had like eight emails, a 10 page fax, several phone calls, and the call from my sister, lol! I sent one more email, letting them know if it would factor into their decision, I’d be happy to drive over so they could meet us and Cody, my folk’s dog, with no expectations on my part.

Homer HATES Chance. Pissy kitty! But she’ll get over it!!

And then the phone call came on Tuesday. They said they’d like to meet Cody, the folk’s golden retriever, since I’ve been at the folk’s house helping out and he was a part of my household. “When could I bring him?”  “Uh, tomorrow??”  🙂

And then she said, “If all goes well, you can take the puppy home, bring a leash and collar!” I had tears in my eyes. I was overjoyed. You’d think I was six years old. By now, if you’re getting the idea I already loved him, you’d be right!

Labs. They can be so sassy!!

Now here’s where things get a little strange. My Mother, who passed away in 2000 has always had a thing for owls. For years she lived up near the north shore of big Spirit Lake and shared the property, not only with her dog and our ancient Siamese but with the resident owl. I’d love visiting and falling asleep to the sounds of the waves and his soft calls.

Yup, he’s a lab!

In the middle of that phone call, in the middle of the day, an owl began calling. “Whoo hooo, whoo hooo” over and over. It kept up for about 15 minutes. I’ve heard an owl, here, from time to time, now and then late at night, but never during the day.

I’ve never been much for flights of fancy, and while it was probably just coincidence, I’d have to add, “What are the chances that this owl had so much to say during this phone call?” Goosebumps formed when my sister said, “Mom’s sending you a message; she’s cheering for you.”

And then there was something else about this puppy…while I knew I was taking a chance on him, an unknown puppy, alone in a pound hundreds of miles away, I was and am deeply aware that he’s giving me a whole new chance, too. A chance at a new adventure, a new chapter, a new life. That phone call was the split second my old path diverged to a new one.

So you see, even though I considered many names, some cute, some sentimental, ultimately, his name just had to be Chance.

Whoo hoo Chance, and  welcome home! Whoo hoo!

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Today, of course, I’ll be linking to our very own Throwback Thursday Link Party, hosted by Quinn of Dad What’s for Dinner, Meaghan of 4 Sons are Us, Alli of Tornadough, Carlee from Cooking with Carlee and Moi! That’s right – me!

Click over to our latest Throwback Thursday post for links to their blogs and social media, rules and more info or, as always, to see all the links or add your own, click on the little blue frog, below.

And, as I do almost every Friday, I’ll be linking up to Angie’s Fiesta Friday Number 130! Many of my fave bloggers hang out there every weekend and this week’s co-hosts are  Judi @ cookingwithauntjuju and Petra @ Food Eat Love