Perhaps two months ago I was contacted by Carolyn Cannon about a Cardigan whom the new owners could not keep. In my usual fashion, I agreed readily, and plans were made to drive Axel from Southern Oregon, to Northern California. In my not so usual fashion, I began to think of the ramifications. Ramifications like....4 children ages 5 to newborn, 4 dogs, a father who'd just had a serious stroke, and to add insult to injury, our landscaper managed to drive his 70 zillion-ton dump truck through most of our fence. This was NOT the time to take on a new dog.

Carolyn was a dear, understood the situation, and found a new home for poor Axel. Well.....yesterday while reading Corgi-l, I saw that Axel was back in the headlines! This was fate! This was destiny! Axel and I were meant to be! Calling my husband at work, and using that oh-so-sweet wifely voice I adopt when I want something, ( he thought I was still whining/pining for Elizabeth Trail's Circle of Corgis pin...of course the 18K one!) I mentioned Axel.

Being a virile male, he immediately assumed I done something MORE to my car! I think he was so relieved that the car was in one piece, that he agreed readily to adding another dog!

Not only did he agree, he was going to the Seattle area THIS Wednesday! He had a quick meeting, and then flying right back! I called Carolyn at work, set the wheels in motion...and Axel will be in our house by 8:00 pm tomorrow night. My poor husband must now fly to Sea/Tac with a Vari-Kennel, meet Axel in the lobby of his office building, and bring him home. The children and I will be waiting with baited breath, hugs, kisses, and LOTS of treats, for both human and canine alike.

However, I was under strict orders not to purchase a thing for Axel, but when hubby arrive home last evening, there I was was 3 semi-nude childern, 4 barking PWCs, ankle-deep in soapy water( in my Gucci loafers, a birthday present from wonder-husband) furiously scrubbing the crate, SURROUNDED by the best goodies Petco could provide. Luckily, the baby (who was clothed)loved chewing on the toys, and we did NEED a new bowl! So all worked out in the end.

Story by: Alden Murray