Introducing Foxy Brains

foxy

My sister Becca works for All Aboard Animal Rescue, where they pull dogs from high-kill shelters – usually in New Mexico – and bring them to Colorado to adopt them out. Coloradans love dogs. The state animal is probably a Shelter Dog.

About a week ago, I went to one of her adoption events to hold the puppies brought up through the Underground Tailroad (come on, that’s too good), needing a snuggle fix. Since it was the week of Halloween, all of the puppies had been given spooky-themed names: Goblin, Creepy, Crawly, Spider. I was not going to bring one home – but maybe I was asking for it. I fell in love.

Her name was Brains.

puppy

You don’t want the responsibility of a dog, people say. You travel too much. You’ll lose your freedom. And it’s true – ever since Toad died in July, I’ve really enjoyed having the ability to go wherever, whenever, without the worry of “I have to get home to let the dog out.” Life has been manageable. It’s been easy. I’ve been footloose and fancy-free.

But I’ve also been lonely. And self-focused. And a tiny bit bored.

These are not themes that belong in the life of Annie Parsons.

So after a few days in Minnesota for a work trip, I got back to Denver on Saturday and took custody of my new best friend.

foxy

She’s a 9-week old mongrel – maybe part Australian Shepherd, part Border Collie, part extra fluff. Her ears are lopsided, one of them being closer to the middle of her forehead than the other – and her little eyebrows are expressive and close together. Meal time is the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to her. Bath time is the worst. She is smart and curious, and sleeps through the night in her crate like a champ. So far, her favorite things are her squeaky turtle and my bed skirt.

And since there is no other word I’d rather have my name associated with on a regular basis, her name is Foxy – Foxy Brains, because she’s more than just a pretty face.

She’s about to ruin my life. For the better.

foxy3

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18 Comments

  1. Katie on November 4, 2013 at 8:54 AM

    So, SO adorable. Congrats on your new little pal!

  2. Michael on November 4, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    Oh, Sweet Pea! You are about to be herded in the most adorable ways by Foxy. I cannot smile any bigger! And Underground Tailroad? Brilliant! LOVE!

  3. [not the] Best Blog Ever on November 4, 2013 at 9:40 AM

    This post makes me very, very happy for you. AND for Foxy Brains!

    Congratulations. Perhaps the most adorably puppy I’ve ever seen.

    LOVE.

  4. [not the] Best Blog Ever on November 4, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    *adorable, not adorably (ugh)

    But still so happy for you!

  5. Holly on November 4, 2013 at 9:45 AM

    The Underground Tailroad!

  6. Debbie on November 4, 2013 at 9:48 AM

    love love love her… she’s a lucky little tyke, that Foxy Brains Parsons.

  7. Alexis on November 4, 2013 at 11:02 AM

    She’s crazy cute. So so cute. i wish I could snuggle with that little one. And yes, having a puppy does take away some freedom for a bit but the trade off is just so worth it. We all need a little bundle of unconditional love waiting for us at home.

  8. Greta on November 4, 2013 at 11:49 AM

    Cutest puppy I’ve ever seen. But seriously.

  9. Christina on November 4, 2013 at 11:50 AM

    “…about to ruin my life. For the better.” That pretty much sums up how I feel about our new baby on the way. These small creatures, they’re so loveable and terrible, all at once. Love your new BFF! And her perfect name!

  10. Jules on November 4, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    Oh, I love you already, Foxy Brains! SO happy for you, AP. :)

  11. Becca on November 4, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    Please list her as Foxy Brains at the vet, etc so they have to confirm her appts that way!

  12. mrs. chesney on November 4, 2013 at 2:12 PM

    OMG. I think for the first time in my entire adult pet-free life I want a dog. THAT dog. She is most adorable animal I have ever seen. Wow!! Congrats.

    Signed,
    NOT a pet person :)

  13. Stephie on November 4, 2013 at 2:43 PM

    I forwarded this to all the dog-lovers in my office:)

  14. shannon on November 4, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    She is the cutest foxiest smartest dog I’ve ever seen!

    Yay for a new puppy friend and housemate :)

  15. Peg Achterman on November 4, 2013 at 6:48 PM

    hooray – you’ll love that she has border and/or aussie. Smart – so “brains” is apt. She is a doll – have fun.

  16. Pamela on November 5, 2013 at 12:49 PM

    My little buddy’s name is technically Fritz Jamaica. Fritz and Foxy need to meet.

  17. The Zadge on November 5, 2013 at 1:01 PM

    Welcome (back) to motherhood! Your baby is too die for!

  18. hootenannie » Blog Archive » September on September 2, 2014 at 10:21 AM

    […] I last wrote, I had a birthday and so did Foxy Brains! My tiny puppy has turned into a full grown 1-year old dog, and I couldn’t love her […]

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