Palestine Puppy!

After several days of serious consideration, online research, and numerous pro/con lists, I have decided to adopt a puppy. It was born to a stray dog on the Tent of Nations farm. I saw the litter while visiting there with the group from Ireland, and began the process of deciding whether or not getting a puppy, while living in a foreign country, was actually a good idea or not.

Many reading this are probably firmly in the "not" camp, and I get that. I really do. I tried very hard to convince myself to not go through with it. A dog severely limits one's mobility, a puppy even more so, and being able to be mobile here is key to my continued learning and growing. Additionally, a puppy requires a lot of time, a lot of money, and a lot of energy. Especially if one is to raise and train it right.

I know all these things. But I also know that living here is hard. It's been one of the hardest things I have ever done, and, while some days are amazing and beautiful, many others are stressful and full of despair. Being away from family, friends, and my boyfriend, has all been quite a challenge. Encountering new experiences daily and constantly meeting new people - while exciting - has also been exhausting; my emotional energy levels seem to always be running low.

And I think a puppy might be able to help that a little bit. Because as I sat there, holding it in my arms, I felt hopeful again. It's tiny warm body wriggling against my chest. Just the amount of trust a puppy has. How it has to, really, because it depends upon others to feed and care for it. I wish I could have that kind of trust, that kind of faith. In others. In God.

So, I have decided to adopt one. I picked it up this morning and took it to the vet for a check up and its first round of vaccines. I've purchased all the necessary supplies, rented a crate, and she is settling in nicely. It is a girl, by the way. Her name is Eliana, or Ellie, for short. It's a Hebrew name that means, "My God has answered me."

She is about 7wks old, and weighs 4lbs!

PS: For those wondering, Ellie will be coming back home with me to the U.S. when I return next May. I have already contacted the airline to make sure this isn't an issue. She's here to stay!