My parents lost their beloved Raleigh this spring - a heartbreak for all of us. He was, as all of our pets have been, a true member of the family. He was adopted from English Springer Rescue, Inc, or ESRA, a wonderful organization devoted to saving neglected and abandoned Springer Spaniels, placing them in foster homes, and finding them forever homes. He spent seven years as my parents’ beloved four-on-the-floor child.

We were heartbroken at the loss. Putting an animal to sleep slices away at your soul, and it’s hard to determine when and if you’ll ever be ready for another pet. But a friend of mine had some great counsel: “If your parents had never recovered from Muffin (cocker spaniel), Raleigh would never have been given a chance.”

So, this week another member of the family has joined the Anthonys. Oreo was found abandoned and neglected in Southern California - her fur was matted and she was pregnant, although she was still a puppy herself. She gave birth to six (!) puppies at her foster home. She is either a very petite Springer (only 25 pounds) or a “Sprocker.” I like to think she is the latter, mostly because I like saying the name.

She was an angel during the 7-hour car ride home. She is only two years old, and quite energetic, so she will keep my parents busy. But she has won them over in less than 48 hours and will be adored. The Rents have already had long discussions about what time she should have her dinner, debated how she will fare when they drive up to Oregon, and fussed over her when she didn’t eat too much the first night.