Cassie Bustamante

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Our Family’s New Addition, Catcher

July 28, 2014 by Cassie 109 Comments

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Last week I implied some exciting things happening this past weekend at our house.  As promised, here I am to fill you in!

Some of you have been reading this blog long enough to know all about our resident dogs.  There’s 10.5 year old Jake, who is my partner in crime… he is always by my side, runs and walks with me, and loves me like no one else ever will.  There was Charlie, our first dog and first love, who passed away last November on the day after Thanksgiving.  After Charlie passed, I was actually quite sure we’d be a one dog family, and had easily fallen into our routine, missing Charlie, but content with the dog we still had.

Then summer came, and the kids were home, and though the house was louder and more active, it was clear that something was missing.  Jake had started to seem more tired on our walks and runs, and he sat on his bed often during the day with a sad look on his face.  As for the kids, early in the summer, they had asked to visit Charlie’s grave in the backyard.  It was Sawyer who wanted to visit it, and Emmy tagged along.  I watched as they both wept by his grave, missing their old friend.

As summer went on, it was clear that Sawyer had a void in his life… something that all the activities, friends, and toys could not fill.  His birthday was quickly approaching, and I decided that the companionship of a dog was what he needed, and I think what we all needed.  I talked to Chris about it, and after thinking for a few days, he agreed that a dog would be great for him.  Turning 9 in just a couple of weeks, he was ready for more responsibility and he was definitely ready for the love only a dog could provide.

As soon as I returned home from Haven, I aggressively searched with the following stipulations- rescue, male, young puppy, and retriever (I wanted a dog that would play ball with Sawyer).  I found several that I thought were a good fit, but was amazed at how quickly they were adopted out before I even had a chance.  (In the process, I found several fabulous shelters that I highly recommend working with.  I will leave links for those at the bottom of this post.)

One of the puppies I was most excited about was “Revere”, who was listed as an 8 week old retriever mix. (This photo was snapped so I could text it to Chris, so pardon the quality!)

reverePin

I was immediately smitten, but I didn’t get my hopes up, as I had learned not to.  A week after applying for him, we received a call and conducted an interview and were approved.  We were the first in line, so we set up a time to meet him!

Yesterday, all of us, including Jake, piled into the car and headed off to the foster home.  We were able to meet him, and play with him before allowing Sawyer to make the decision.  As you can see, Sawyer wanted to add this pup to our family, and he gave him a new name (one that he came up with all on his own!): Catcher.

And as a sidenote, we are pretty sure he isn’t actually a lab, and judging by his sisters (two were clearly Weimeraners, and one was very much black and tan Shepherd), we think we have a Shepherd/Weimeraner mix on our hands.

catcherfam1Pin

We signed all of the necessary paperwork, and headed back home.  Some of us were more tired than others…

catcherfam2Pin

As soon as we arrived home, Catcher got to work, exploring, chewing on a rawhide, and I got to work with my camera….

Sawyer and his new buddy, Catcher:

catcher1Pin

Enjoying the rawhide treats we picked up….

 

catcher2Pin

 

Scoping out his new porch surroundings….catcher5Pin

Exploring all around the porch… (How can you not just LOVE that sweet face?)
catcher6Pin

And just so you know, Jake was there hanging out with us, too!  He’s sort of uninterested at this point in time, but I feel confident that this puppy will put the pep back into his step.

jake1Pin

 

Soon, Jake and Catcher will be best friends!catcher7Pin

I am so excited to watch him become one of our family members, and am most looking forward to watching the relationship between Sawyer and Catcher develop.

No one will ever replace our Charlie, but I sure am looking forward to seeing Catcher mend some hearts around here.

XOXO

PS- Here are some amazing adoption rescues that I found through the process.

PA Caring for K9s– This is where Catcher came from.  They were very easy to work with!

Homeward Trails– Another amazing agency to work with.  Lois sent me links and checked in with me, and was very friendly!

Big Fluffy Dogs Rescue– This one is self explanatory- looking for a big fluffy dog to warm your home?  Look no further!  Courtney was the gal I worked with there, and again, really nice and communicative!

Rescue BC– Elaine was awesome and helpful, and they run lots of meet and greets to help introduce their dogs.  They are located in Germantown, MD.

I wish that we could have given all the dogs we saw a home.  And I will be honest- if we didn’t already have Jake, Chris and I agreed that one of Catcher’s sisters would have made it home with us as well. 🙂  But, he still has two adorable sisters left, Myrtle and Daytona, in case anyone is interested!

 

 

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Comments

  1. Sarah says

    July 28, 2014 at 7:43 am

    Totally adorable! I’m glad it all worked out.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:22 pm

      me, too! 🙂 you will get to meet him tomorrow!

      Reply
  2. angela says

    July 28, 2014 at 8:43 am

    Literally the cutest puppy of all time! Huge congrats to your family! 🙂

    Angela @ Number Fifty-Three

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:20 pm

      right?!?! thank you!

      Reply
  3. Kris {Driven by Décor} says

    July 28, 2014 at 8:44 am

    Congratulations on your new addition! Catcher is adorable – the picture of him and Sawyer in the car is priceless 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:19 pm

      thank you so much- we are in love!!!

      Reply
  4. michelle@decorandthedog says

    July 28, 2014 at 8:49 am

    AWWWWWWWWWW. I want to squish his little cheeks…..Sawyer’s and Catcher’s. I’m so glad they found one another! Hope Jake is showing him the ropes soon!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:19 pm

      jake is definitely the big man showing him how it is…. although he almost let piglet catcher steal his food this morning.

      Reply
  5. Anne Dees says

    July 28, 2014 at 9:07 am

    Congratulations on your new member of your family! He`s adorable! Love his name!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:18 pm

      thank you so much! i think sawyer did a great job with the name!

      Reply
  6. Kim@Reposhture says

    July 28, 2014 at 9:09 am

    I don’t know which photos I love more the ones with just Catcher or Catcher and Sawyer! Both so cute. have fun with your new baby!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:17 pm

      i know, right? they are adorable!

      Reply
  7. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    July 28, 2014 at 9:12 am

    Oh, he is ridiculously adorable!!! So sweet and how awesome that Sawyer will have time to get him acclimated before school starts up again. Thanks for sharing… that’s my happy for the day!
    xo Heidi

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:17 pm

      isn’t he??? glad you got your happy on here!

      Reply
  8. Suzanne @ The Painted Drawer says

    July 28, 2014 at 9:15 am

    What a sweet puppy! We adopted our second schnauzer to give more pep to our (now parted) older schnauzer. They kind of just got along but it was great for the kids to have a young dog in the house again to play with. I think our other dog was just too old to deal with the puppy! He preferred his bed in the living room 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:14 pm

      jake was so good and after i ran with him this morning we came home and took catcher and sawyer with us for a short walk, and he was excited to go again… he’ll be a good big brother and show him the ropes!

      Reply
  9. CoCo says

    July 28, 2014 at 9:18 am

    LOVED this post! It totally made my day. Welcome home Catcher!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:14 pm

      YAY! i am so glad it did- thank you!

      Reply
  10. sarah dorsey says

    July 28, 2014 at 9:23 am

    SO cute!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:13 pm

      you will have to meet him! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Pam @ Simple Details says

    July 28, 2014 at 9:49 am

    Those two just melt my heart, Cassie!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:13 pm

      yours and mine!

      Reply
  12. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    July 28, 2014 at 9:49 am

    Oh that face! What a beautiful puppy. I’m sure Catcher and Sawyer have many wonderful adventures ahead of them!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:13 pm

      thank you, sharon! we are so happy! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Dana says

    July 28, 2014 at 9:50 am

    So, so cute! I hope he brings lots and lots of joy to your family.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:13 pm

      thank you, dana! i am sure he will!

      Reply
  14. Debbie says

    July 28, 2014 at 9:56 am

    I want him! Oh my, those eyes! Such a sweetheart 🙂
    Debbie

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:13 pm

      isn’t he the sweetest!

      Reply
  15. the cape on the corner says

    July 28, 2014 at 10:17 am

    such a sweetie!
    b

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      thank you! we think so! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Julia@Cuckoo4Design says

    July 28, 2014 at 10:19 am

    I had to show my mom the adorable photos of Catcher. Only reason I was allowed on the computer 😉 Jake looks like he is smiling.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      aaw, i think jake seems not thrilled, but definitely not jealous or unhappy either, so i take that as a win!

      Reply
  17. shavonda@ahomefullofcolor says

    July 28, 2014 at 10:26 am

    Omg Cassie! That sweet sweet face! Hes.so cute. Im so happy you guys were able to open your hearts to another fur baby. He and your little guy will soon be the best of friends.

    Xo-Shavonda

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:10 pm

      thank you so much, shavonda! i am so glad we decided to adopt him!

      Reply
  18. Kate says

    July 28, 2014 at 10:59 am

    They are both adorable, and look like they’re already best friends! Can’t wait to meet him.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:10 pm

      thank you! he is seriously the cutest- you guys have to come see him!

      Reply
  19. Julie W says

    July 28, 2014 at 12:08 pm

    What a sweet face! He’s totally going to be trouble 😉 Thank you thank you THANK YOU for choosing a rescue pup, rather than a backyard breeder!

    We actually foster Labrador Retrievers in central California. It’s been a great bridge for us since losing our own labradork to old age last spring.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:10 pm

      thank you so much, julie! we are in love with him! i think if my kids were older i would foster- i wanted to give all the dogs homes!

      Reply
  20. Jenny@EvolutionofStyle says

    July 28, 2014 at 12:52 pm

    Cassie, he’s absolutely adorable! So happy to hear that you’re expanding your dog family, and with a rescue too. I love my rescue dog, he’s the best. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to hearing more about how he fits in with the family. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:09 pm

      thank you so much, jenny! we are all in love here!

      Reply
  21. Haley says

    July 28, 2014 at 1:13 pm

    What an adorable puppy! I’m so excited for Sawyer and his new buddy.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:09 pm

      thank you! we are all in love!

      Reply
  22. Carmel says

    July 28, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    What a cutie! Love him!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:08 pm

      thank you! we do, too!

      Reply
  23. Gretchen says

    July 28, 2014 at 2:00 pm

    Love him, love him, love him!! Congratulations!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:08 pm

      we do, too!

      Reply
  24. Rachel says

    July 28, 2014 at 2:18 pm

    Awww, he is too too cute! Congrats on the new little guy!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 28, 2014 at 2:30 pm

      thank you, rachel! we love him!

      Reply
  25. Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says

    July 28, 2014 at 4:36 pm

    congrats on your new addition. he is ADORABLE. i want to squeeze and cuddle him!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:49 am

      oh and we do! 🙂 thank you!

      Reply
  26. Fiona, Lilyfield Life says

    July 28, 2014 at 5:24 pm

    so excited for you all!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:49 am

      thank you, fiona!

      Reply
  27. Lynn says

    July 28, 2014 at 8:12 pm

    Ohhhhh my look at those eyes. He is so stinkin’ cute! I bet not only will he & Jake be best buddies, but I betcha he & Sawyer will be the best of friends!!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:49 am

      isn’t he?!?!? i sure hope they are soon!

      Reply
  28. Jessica @ Dear Emmeline says

    July 28, 2014 at 8:47 pm

    awww! he’s adorable. congrats on the newest member of the family!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:49 am

      thank you!

      Reply
  29. Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says

    July 28, 2014 at 9:57 pm

    Both of your baby boys are so, so cute! I love that pic with them riding in the car so much! Catcher got a great family!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:49 am

      right? isn’t it the sweetest? 🙂 thank you, my friend!

      Reply
  30. Bliss says

    July 28, 2014 at 10:59 pm

    Best birthday gift ever.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:48 am

      i hope he loves it forever and ever! 🙂

      Reply
  31. Barbara says

    July 29, 2014 at 1:41 am

    Love dog rescue stories – thanks for sharing yours. Dunno, tho, can’t help but wonder if one of Catcher’s sisters is waiting for you! Only thing cuter than a sweet puppy are two!!! Love watching them – such fun interaction growing up together… Just sayin’… Wallow in the joy of a new pet – best tribute to Charlie ever!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:48 am

      oh if we didn’t have a big dog already i would do it! 🙂 i think 2 puppies and a dog might be too much though. 🙂

      Reply
  32. kirby carespodi says

    July 29, 2014 at 8:07 am

    He is a cutie, but with a name like Catcher, you know you’ll have to plant some rye. Just for the photo ops.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:08 pm

      i know! 🙂 right now i only have some friends who have hops, or wheatgrass, or we have weeds, but catcher in the weeds is not quite right. 😉

      Reply
  33. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    July 29, 2014 at 10:38 am

    Oh my goodness, Cassie!!!! Catcher is beyond adorable, and I love his cool hairdo! I just want to snuggle up to that fluffy pup 🙂 Congratulations on the new family member!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:07 pm

      thank you so much! he does have a cool fluffy do, and it’s totally natural- no product needed. 😉

      Reply
  34. Tracy Deupree says

    July 29, 2014 at 11:33 am

    Awww. What an adorable puppy. Great post and photos.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:07 pm

      thank you so much, tracy!

      Reply
  35. Katja | Shift Ctrl Art says

    July 29, 2014 at 12:32 pm

    That is just the cutest puppy!! Those eyes!! I am so happy that you founds the perfect puppy for your family in the end and I think Jake will warm up to him in no time. I am excited for my IG feed too 🙂 love the name too!! Sounds almost like my name 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:07 pm

      isn’t he the sweetest- so soft and sweet! and i am sure jake and he will be besties soon!

      Reply
  36. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    July 29, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    Those eyes! I could just eat him up!!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:06 pm

      right? he melts me!

      Reply
  37. Rachel says

    July 29, 2014 at 3:12 pm

    Oh! He is so precious!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:06 pm

      thank you so much, rachel!

      Reply
  38. Deborah @ Confessions of a Craigslist Junkie says

    July 29, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    Oh that little face! He’s adorable. That photo of Sawyer sleeping with him on his lap says it all. (Glad you got a rescue dog!)

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:06 pm

      thank you! he is a big cuddler- both of them. 😉

      Reply
  39. Kristin @ Bliss at Home says

    July 29, 2014 at 3:28 pm

    So happy for you guys, Cassie! He is the sweetest thing! Love seeing how he has taken to you all 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 29, 2014 at 5:06 pm

      thank you! we are all in love!

      Reply
  40. Ann says

    July 29, 2014 at 9:21 pm

    What a sweetie! Lucky dog & lucky family!!!
    I haven’t “visited” in a while…we made the move across the country and we’ve been working on the house non-stop. I’m hoping to get into a normal routine soon!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 30, 2014 at 6:21 am

      thank you so much, ann! and sounds like fun- good luck getting settled!

      Reply
  41. Anna [Directions Not Included] says

    July 29, 2014 at 10:23 pm

    OMG. As I’ve said under every other social media profile, OMG. The fluff, the sweetness, the fun for Sawyer. I melt.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 30, 2014 at 6:21 am

      right?!?!? crazy cute! and he has a very sweet personality!

      Reply
  42. Jill Moore says

    July 29, 2014 at 11:36 pm

    I die…..soooooo precious.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 30, 2014 at 6:21 am

      thank you! we are in love here!

      Reply
  43. Susan says

    July 30, 2014 at 8:28 am

    Congratulations on your adoption of Catcher. I’m so happy for your family. I know in time Jake and Catcher will be best buddies. Dogs grieve just like humans so it’s great that you got Jake a friend again. Welcome home Catcher! Enjoy~

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 31, 2014 at 6:19 am

      thank you so much, susan! i think he’s growing on jake but jake is not really totally in love yet. 😉 once he is a dog, and not so much a puppy though, i am sure they will be best friends!

      Reply
  44. Dana says

    July 30, 2014 at 10:01 am

    Catcher is so cute. So is your whole family actually! What a sweet post. Makes me want to go hug my dog…

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 31, 2014 at 6:15 am

      aw, thank you, dana! he is a sweet puppy! 🙂

      Reply
  45. Carrie says

    July 30, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    So unbelievably adorable. Congratulations on the newest addition to your family!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 31, 2014 at 6:16 am

      thank you, carrie!

      Reply
  46. Trisha D. says

    July 31, 2014 at 8:49 am

    Awe what a sweet, sweet story. You guys totally picked a beaut! He reminds me a lot of our Golden Retriever/Choclate lab mix with those eyes. Good luck to you and the family!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 31, 2014 at 6:28 pm

      didn’t we? we totally love him!

      Reply
  47. Paula@SweetPea says

    July 31, 2014 at 3:12 pm

    He is precious! I wish I could see him in person to give him a cuddle. I know he will be a much loved addition to your family.

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      July 31, 2014 at 6:27 pm

      thank you! we are all in love!

      Reply
  48. Ali says

    July 31, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    He is seriously the cutest!!!!! Yay! Auntie loves you, Catcher Bustamante 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 2, 2014 at 4:12 pm

      and he loves you and can’t wait to meet you!

      Reply
  49. kathleen says

    August 1, 2014 at 8:58 am

    Such a beautiful little puppy! Love his coloring. You took some great shots 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 2, 2014 at 4:09 pm

      thank you! it’s easy to get great shots when the subject is adorable! 🙂 he is such a good puppy, too- so well behaved, sweet, and just the right amount of playful. we picked a good one! 🙂

      Reply
  50. Gwen says

    August 1, 2014 at 9:13 pm

    For I don’t know the how manynth time… He is preciously precious! And your photos of him are incredbile!

    I hope he’s feeling better! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 2, 2014 at 4:02 pm

      oh i agree! he seems to be feeling better today after just a little medicine!

      Reply
  51. gail says

    August 2, 2014 at 9:56 am

    most.adorable.face.ever!

    Oh my gosh, what a sweet puppy, love his name. Seriously, you’re so lucky you were first in line, or he would have been scooped up!

    congrats!

    gail

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 2, 2014 at 4:02 pm

      isn’t he?!?! we love him!

      Reply
  52. Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says

    August 5, 2014 at 1:01 am

    Yay for new puppies!

    Reply
    • Cassie says

      August 5, 2014 at 2:50 pm

      he’s the cutest!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Click It 7 - Primitive and Proper says:
    August 1, 2014 at 6:00 am

    […] makes me realize how much we were missing having that second dog.  We’re all in love with our sweet and playful furball.  Anyhow, in between all of that, I came across some links you need to click! […]

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  2. Eclectically Fall Home Tour says:
    September 18, 2014 at 8:13 pm

    […] paired with a gold mirror, and a bushel basket serves as a shoe collection center.  (Of course the puppy thinks it’s his prize […]

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  3. DIY Industrial Elevated Dog Feeder says:
    May 4, 2015 at 5:02 am

    […] Do you remember last summer when our family welcomed home this sweet, adorable, fuzzy puppy? […]

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  4. Living Pretty With Your Pets: Primitive and Proper - Cuckoo4Design says:
    March 23, 2016 at 8:42 am

    […] Cassie recently added to their family when they adopted little Catcher. Click HERE to read more about […]

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  5. Adopt, Don't Shop: Give Back Blog Hop - Cassie Bustamante says:
    December 19, 2016 at 6:42 am

    […] coloring.  Sawyer fell in love, and he came home with us that day. (You can read more of his story here).Even though he is certainly no retriever, Sawyer gave him the name Catcher.  He’s […]

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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