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[caption id="attachment_1800" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="If this moves your heart, they take online donations as well! "]<a href="http://mingusmanor.org" target="_blank"><img class="size-full wp-image-1800  " title="mingusmanor.org" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/mingusmanor.org_.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="128" /></a>[/caption]

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<p>Life keeps happening while I'm making plans. </p>

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<p>On Day 43, I volunteered for a heartwarming cause.  </p>

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<p>Mingus Manor is an animal sanctuary for senior pets whose owners can no longer take care of them.  Please check out their website at <a href="http://mingusmanor.org/cms/index.php?option=com_frontpage&amp;Itemid=1" target="_blank"><strong>MingusManor.org.</strong></a>  Grab the Kleenex.  Although as Karen (the angel who runs MM) would say, "Don't cry!"  Because these precious animals have been given a happy second chance for their golden years.   </p>

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<p>I showed up for their annual Dog Wash.  People could bring their dogs to the sanctuary, pay for a deluxe wash, and contribute funds to the medical care of the MM seniors. </p>

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<p>I washed a pug. </p>

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<p>And then wandered over to the various vendors who gave their time for the cause. </p>

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<p>One of these vendors happened to be an animal rescue. </p>

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<p>Uh-oh. </p>

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<p>December marks the year anniversary of when I said goodbye to my beloved canine companion of nearly 14 years.  Woofie and I shared an intense bond, and piece of my heart died with him that day. </p>

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[caption id="attachment_1801" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="My Little Angel "]<a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Woofie.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1801" title="Woofie" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Woofie-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>[/caption]

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<p>Over the past year, well-intentioned people continually asked me, "Do you think you will get another dog?"  or "When do you think you'll be ready for another dog?"  or "Maybe it's time you adopt another dog?" </p>

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<p>But I didn't want "another dog".  I wanted Woofie. </p>

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<p>But you know what they say, right?  That you don't pick the dog.  The dog picks you? </p>

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<p>Guess who nestles into my neck and cuddles just like Woofie?  A sign? </p>

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[caption id="attachment_1802" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Born to Snuggle"]<a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/bella2.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1802" title="bella2" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/bella2-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_1804" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="A Match Made from Heaven, I Believe"]<a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/bella11.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1804" title="bella1" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/bella11-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>[/caption]

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<p>Within two hours, I committed to the foster mother that I would adopt "Missy" this Thursday.  I'm changing her name to "Bella".  Or "Lucy". </p>

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<p>Or...do you have any ideas for a name?  Please share in the comments section below! </p>

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<p>My feet turned cold immediately after vacating the premsises.  How can I take on a 10-month old puppy now?  I just started a blog!  It's taking up all of my time outside of my day job!  How can I juggle everything?  How?  HOW?????</p>

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<p>Breathe...</p>

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<p>My mother calmed me down.  She reminded me very matter-of-factly, "Michelle, women go through unplanned pregnancies all the time.  They make it work.  You'll figure it out." </p>

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<p>It's time.  <br class="spacer_" /></p>