A quick recap of our housing situation is this: Homes in Phoenix, AZ are on the market for mere hours unless there is something really, really wrong with it. We are not opposed to working hard on a fixer upper in a good neighborhood. It does not have to be a castle. The prices are so good that the investors have returned with a vengeance. We were hopeful on one house but lost out. There are currently 8 houses in our MRLS portal. We have seen them all. Insert Panic Here. We need The Good Samaritan.
The Good Samaritan
I am a type A personality. (Big shocking reveal I know!) I like to plan and have my ducks in a row. On Tuesday I had a flat out panic attack. Sweaty, heart beating out of my chest, etc. I was thinking about being homeless and that this is the last week of school for Sweet Boy and the Fashionista leaves in 3 weeks for her summer internship at a fashion house in California and she needs a car and did I mention in a few weeks I will be homeless?
Bring on the hyperventilating.
Generally I punch out the panic with prayer. My go to books are Proverbs and the Psalms. They are filled with promises of protection and provision.
So, yesterday my neighbor shows up with a beautiful boy on my doorstep. She had rescued him from a sad situation and thought “I know who will take him.”
Now, don’t look into his eyes….
Oh, it’s too late you already did, didn’t you?
He Provides
So I sent Mr. Décor his picture and said “This dog is homeless and yes, I know that technically in about 30 days we will be too. We both know that God has a sense of humor and His own sense of timing. But what if this is sort of like Jesus dressed in a dog suit asking to trust in Him that He will provide?”
Mr. Décor is fair and pragmatic. Even when his wife is clearly off her rocker
He said, “I will see you tonight and meet the dog then.”
By now two children had gotten wind of the situation and were giving me “the look”. You know the one:
So it played out like this:
Mr. Décor came home. New guy barked once and immediately sat when Mr. D said “Sit.”
Mr. D. sat down and the new guy laid next to him. After a minute or so he laid his paw on Mr. D’s arm tentatively asking “Father may I?” The new guy gingerly climb onto Mr. D’s lap. One minute more and a kiss was bestowed.
I had fed and loved the little charlatan all afternoon and had not received such adoration. It was clear he knew where his bread was buttered.
Mr. Décor had to leave for cub scouts and said he would “Think about it.”
Later that night I came upon him looking at the internet. “Did I ever show you the guy that our Rudi is named for?” He asked.
Rudolf “Rudi” Völler, a fabulous German soccer player.
Now you must remember two things.
Mr. Décor was born and raised in Panama and loves soccer.
We lived in Germany and dachshunds were originally bred in Germany.
So then Mr. Décor shows me another soccer player that he likes.
Franz Beckenbauer, another fabulous German soccer player.
I’m thinking “Wait, what? Dog names. NO! You’re the pragmatic one. Tell me we cannot keep this dog.”
DTA readers I would like to introduce to you
Franz Gunn
He is a beautiful standard black and tan dachshund. Franz is so long that Sweet Boy says he is a stretch limo.
He is polite and well mannered unlike a miniature red shorthair we all know and love.
How did this happen? Please, someone, anyone give me one good reason….oh wait I already had one.
Laura
Thanks for the laugh. And, how many of these do you have now? He looks adorable. Thanks for sharing. Good luck with the house situation.
Oh I love Franz already. What a wonderful addition to the family and a little be of happiness and distraction during the stress of house hunting and moving. It's all going to work out Laura and Franz is going to be part of the solution. Ann
Pfff….like I didn't know that dog was staying!!
Precious. And my dad's name was Frank….so I like him even more!
You are too young or I could tell you about the empty MH across the street from me!
It was meant to be. You are getting ready to start a new chapter in your life and Franz wants to come along.
I would be panicking if I had to move too….o lord keep me in the house I have now until I go our feet first!!
Love this story…I had a similar experience when I rescued my Goldendoodle… My husband felt the word “doodle” would threaten his masculinity… The love I witness between them on a daily basis is almost obscene! LOL! Congrats!
Why/How did this happen? Because you have a kind, loving sweet heart and sweetheart, sugar! Simple as that.
xoxo,
Connie
Comment résister!… Si vous n'en vouliez point!, j'arrivais pour l'adopter!!! sourire…
je suis persuadée que mon Olwen (dalmatienne) l'aurait bien aimé…
Un gros bisou à vous et des caresses à vos amis à quatre pattes.
Well, congratulations on the newest addition to your family. (Like we were all surprised, LOL!) He's a doll.
Will continue to pray regarding the housing situation. God will provide. He's done it before, right? He'll do it again!
This is such a fun read, soooo sweet! Your family is just adorable. Love your new addition, and I'm honestly not a dog person (they scare me), but hard not to love those faces and antics. 🙂
Love, Linda
You are funny! Love your sense of humor even in the midst of PANIC!
Your little dog is adorable and praying for all things to work out for your families best interest and God's! Hugs and prayers, Cindy
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at this post. I believe that continuing to be the good person you want to be matters most when it is hardest to do. When you stretch to give, you know you are REALLY giving. I'm so glad you took that poor baby in and he'll be happy to go wherever you are able to take him!
Hehehe!!! No surprise here. I knew he was going to be a new family member of your household as soon as you said someone had rescued him and brought him to you. He has really found a good and loving home! 🙂
So funny! I'm very glad that you kept the little fella.
As a German, I really get a kick out of the names. Rudi Voeller's perm is something we always sniggered at.
Oh my goodness he looks so much like my little Sophie that they could be twins! He is darling!
Your house is just waiting for you to find it and I just know it will be great!
So many times over the last few years, God has provided me with a pet just when I thought I could not take any more of life's ups and downs. The pet then helped to calm all my doubts and fears! I adore your new family member and feel sure, he is there for a very special reason.
By the way, just yesterday, John aka Mr. Softie brought home his very own kitten, a rescue! It was love at first sight and they are inseparable….another gift from God who always knows exactly what we need!
Be hones, Miss Laura! You didn't have a prayer against soft manners and gentile eyes. You never do!
God Will Provide, Sweet Lady!
Guess the RED good energy brought a kind soul to Decor Home. Not bad.
Love,
Teresa
Wait! Is that Tammy bending over backwards? Yes, she is! And, when God closes a door, He opens a window. Nothing like a dog for stress reduction. Worst case scenario, you rent something while looking for 'the' house. I'll add your home hunt to my prayer list, I'm persistent and sometimes I think the Lord just gets tired of me asking…
Tammy
Pleased to me you, Franz! I hope he and Rudi have happy, fun times together.
Ah yes, doggie number two. Been there and the eyes get you everytime. 🙂 Franz is a stunner for sure. Lucky boy and lucky you!
I love your stories. I can see where your talent comes from. Mr Decor is a sweet man. You'll be fine. Your new home is just around the corner.!!!
love,
Les
I love your stories. I can see where your talent comes from. Mr Decor is a sweet man. You'll be fine. Your new home is just around the corner.!!!
love,
Les
You know that phrase “God Provides”?! Well… HE does! I'm so glad that He provided you with something to take your mind off of the panic button even if for a few minutes. I have been where you are. When we were going through our foreclosure, we were sure we would have to live in our Hyundai Tucson. At some point, I just had to let it go. God provided us with a VERY small rental home. It seemed like a castle at the time. This will work out. I promise you. God is faithful to provide. Welcome to Franz!
Hi Laura,
I almost had a panick attack last week at the grocery store…wanted to lay on the floor and CRY! God lifted me up as He will for you!
I LOVE FRANZ!!! What a sweet addition to your home.
All will be Well!
Warmly,
deb
aww he is so sweet and you are his forever home…Can I come and live with you also ? lol…please…
LOL!!!! I loveeeeeeeeeeee it!!! What a sweet story and I am in love with Franz!!!!!
Laura,
I thought Rudi was named after Rudolph Valentino because he's such a little lover boy. Welcome Franz! He knows who the leader of the pack is. Now once you are settled into your new home, you need a cat named what else — Hans! “Listen hear me now believe me later, I am Hans and I am Franz. And we just want to pump you up (with inspiration.) Ya Ya, girly-man. Hear me now and believe me later – but don't think about it ever, because we are the
decorators!” Rudi interjects: “Just remember I am the face of Decor to Adore.”
Ahem.
Where was I? Oh yes, congrats on your newest arrival! 🙂
Your Friend,
Deborah
FairfieldHouseNJ.com
OH MY GOODNESS!
Franz is so adorable…and…
L U C K Y !
I am pretty certain that I told you that my graduation present from high school was a miniature dachshund. I named her Maggie May…yep…Rod Stewart. My parents bred Dachshunds for awhile. They are the funniest and sweetest dogs. We switched to Chocolate Labs when Mr D started duck hunting.
I am so glad that you shared this.
my heart is smiling BIG!
~Lynne
w/L
Oh! How Sweet! He will be a welcome addition to your new home! 🙂 A perfect playmate for Rudi.
~Liz
Oh Laura! God does have a sense of humor =) but this little guy will be a total distraction for you and keep you calm during this transition. It will all become clear soon, I agree. We can see a light at the end our tunnel now with two houses in the pipe line, both are beautiful, our fingers are crossed. sending you hugs and prayers that you find the home of your dreams very soon, Sally xx
A Guardian Angel has just landed on your doorstep, when you need him the most. Must not look a gift dog in the mouth…….:)
There is no way to say no to that face! And I am not even an animal lover! We had a dog that was half daschund, and had a lot of black, so that picture brings me lots of memories. He was a great dog for our kids.
the only thought that keeps coming back to me is :Jesus wrapped in dachshund fur. love this story and luv your husbands spirit. only good things will come
blessings
debra
Congratulations, clearly it was meant to be.
– The Tablescaper
I love, love this story. I will be praying for your housing situation.
Katie