by Hope
My dogs…
Well, they’ve been a constant bone of contention both here on BAD and in my real life. And I can openly admit that I’ve taken the “rescuing” too far. We are not going to dive into the psychology of that statement here, but know that I am definitely doing some self work these days. (And I loved the Debtor’s Anonymous suggestion on my last post, thank you.)
But now…two are headed out to their new homes in the next month.
Jake
Our 80 lb Retriever mix who Gymnast adopted (well, I did) his junior year of high school. The plan had been for him to move to Texas once Gymnast got established there. But instead, he’s going to go live with Princess for her senior year in college. She’s moving out into a one bedroom apartment. Having a big, intimidating looking dog will help me feel better about her living alone. And it will make her feel more confident and comfortable as well, seeing as she has never lived alone before.
He is staying in the family. But moving with one of the kids, just not the one we originally planned.
Sophie
Sophie was not one we intended to adopt. She came to us as a foster, pregnant, and completely terrified of everything. That was 4-5 years ago. She stuck. But she’s never really been anyone’s dog. And it’s just in the last couple of years that she’s become a somewhat typical dog. Although most people have never seen her as she stays under a blanket or in her crate most all the time. (By her choice.)
But recently a good friend of the twins expressed interest interest in having her since losing her chihuahua a year or so back. Sophie will move to Virginia next month when Sea Cadet brings this friend to Georgia to pick her up. I am confident it will be a good placement for her. Especially as she gets older. (She’s between 8-10 years old now.)
And then there were three! (And I’m working on another one going to live on the twins, but that’s a longer game plan since he is halfway across the country.)
Money Effects
All the dogs are up-to-do date on shots, etc. And I will most likely continue to help provide food for Jake since Princess has one more year as a broke college student. But I am slowly making progress is cutting back on my expenses. Making better decisions.
Hope is a resourceful, solutions-driven online business manager with over two decades of experience helping clients streamline operations, manage projects, and grow their businesses through digital marketing and technology.
But life has a way of rewriting your plans.
A year ago, Hope made the decision to move in with her aging parents full time – a season she wouldn’t trade, even as it came with its own financial and emotional weight. Earlier this year, she lost her mother, and is now walking the tender, disorienting path of grief while learning what “forward” looks like from here.
Hope came to the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015 as a single mom raising five foster and adoptive children. She’s written through job changes, financial setbacks, and the bittersweet transition to an empty nest. Her kids are finding their footing in the world now – and so is she.
Rooted in faith and fueled by the same perseverance she’s brought to every hard season, Hope is ready to face her finances with fresh eyes and an honest pen. She believes that clarity, courage, and community can change the trajectory of anyone’s story including her own.
She lives in Austin, TX with her dad, loves adventures with her dog Addie, and is figuring out, one step at a time, what this next chapter is meant to be.
I am glad the doggies are going to good homes. It’s sad, cause you’re decluttering your pets but this is for the best for them and you!