Welcoming Penny: Our New Rescue Dog, A Chorkie Mix & Our Journey After Pet Loss

For those of you who follow our adventures on Instagram, you’ve likely already caught a glimpse of the newest, most wag-tastic addition to the Petersik family. But here on the blog, where stories unfold with a bit more heart and detail, we want to give her the grand introduction she truly deserves. So, without further ado, allow us to formally introduce the one and only, Penny!

Navigating Grief: Our Heartfelt Journey After Burger’s Passing

The quiet that descended upon our home after Burger, our beloved Chihuahua of 15 years, passed away in October, was profound and, at times, deafening. Losing Burger wasn’t just losing a pet; it was losing a constant, a shadow, a cherished member who had woven himself into the very fabric of our daily lives. The grief was immense, leaving us feeling utterly wrecked. In those initial, raw days, the tangible reminders of his presence were too painful to bear. We decided to honor his memory by donating many of his belongings – our vet kindly helped us pass along his treats, food, crate, and even his heart medication to other dogs desperately in need. Of course, we held onto a few precious keepsakes, like his collar and favorite blanket, but they were carefully tucked away, out of sight. The absence of his familiar clicking paws on the floor, the gentle jingle of his collar, felt like a loud, aching void in the silence of our home. Even the sunbeams, once Burger’s favorite napping spots, now seemed to mock us with their emptiness.

The thought of welcoming another dog into our lives was a complex one. We knew, deep down, that we wanted to offer a loving home to another furry friend, but the timing felt impossible to pinpoint. Many of you, our wonderful readers, shared your own experiences with pet loss, offering comfort and wisdom that resonated deeply. The common refrain, “you’ll know when you know,” initially sounded abstract and even a little frustrating. How could one simply ‘know’ such a thing? Yet, with time, that cryptic phrase revealed its profound truth.

The Healing Process: Gradually Opening Our Hearts Again

Weeks turned into months, and almost imperceptibly, the sharp edges of grief began to soften. We started noticing subtle shifts within ourselves and our family. The sudden pang of sadness that used to accompany the sight of another dog walking by slowly faded. Gradually, memories of Burger, once tinged with immediate sorrow, began to elicit more smiles than tears. We found ourselves laughing as we recounted his comical antics – how he would have gleefully gobbled up that dropped piece of spaghetti, or how some stray scrap of paper would inevitably end up adorning his nose, much to his oblivious delight. These moments of fond remembrance, free from the immediate sting of loss, were quiet affirmations that our hearts were, indeed, beginning to heal and open once more.

The Search for a New Family Dog: Finding Our Lucky Penny

By December, a new kind of curiosity stirred within us. We tentatively began browsing shelters on Petfinder and scrolling through local rescue Facebook pages. At first, it felt more like a passive “fact-finding mission” than a serious quest for a new family member. We were simply “just looking,” testing the waters of our readiness. Then, on New Year’s Day, a mere two and a half months after Burger’s passing, everything changed. We saw a photo of a small dog on a local Facebook rescue page – and it was an instant, undeniable connection. It was Penny. That immediate feeling, that “knowing,” washed over us with surprising clarity. We wasted no time. We filled out an application through the rescue’s website, exchanged messages with her loving foster mom, and eagerly drove out to meet her. The stars aligned, and we were incredibly fortunate to be chosen as her adoptive family. All of this unfolded in a single, whirlwind day. What an extraordinary and serendipitous way to kick off the new year!

The photo you see below perfectly captures that magical first day. We met Penny at her foster mom’s home, and she immediately put her sweet little head right into our daughter’s cupped hands. From that very second, we all utterly fell for her. Her gentle nature and obvious need for affection completely won us over. It felt like destiny, a quiet confirmation that she was meant to be ours.

Penny’s Story: From Rescue to Our Home

Penny’s journey to us began when her previous owner made the incredibly difficult, yet selfless, decision to surrender multiple dogs to the rescue organization, believing they deserved better care and attention than she could provide. This is how Penny, along with a remarkable number of other dogs (we counted 11 at her foster mom’s house that night!), found her way into a loving foster home. We learned that Penny is two and a half years old, and remarkably, she had never received any vaccinations or visited a vet in her life. She was even in heat when we rescued her, having never been spayed – an entirely new experience for us as pet parents! Our first few days of the new year were dedicated to getting her caught up on all her shots, scheduling her spaying, and ensuring she received a comprehensive check-up. We are immensely thankful that she received a glowing bill of health from the vet, aside from being a little underweight. Sherry has since taken great pleasure in spoiling her with delicious food and treats, happily helping Penny reach a healthy weight and truly thrive.

Unraveling the Mystery: Penny’s Breed DNA Results

Penny is, without a doubt, a beautiful mutt, a delightful blend of various breeds. The rescue group’s initial guess was Chihuahua/Yorkie, a combination affectionately known by “cool kids” as a “Chorkie.” While we could certainly see those traits, we also suspected a touch of Min Pin or even some Dachshund in her endearing features. To satisfy our curiosity and truly understand her genetic makeup, we eagerly sent off this Embark Breed Identification Kit, highly recommended by friends. The process was surprisingly simple: a quick rub of a Q-tip along the inside of her cheek. Penny, being the cooperative and sweet dog she is, happily obliged, prompting us to laugh as we imagined how utterly displeased Burger would have been with such an invasion of his personal space. We couldn’t wait for the results to arrive, eager to uncover her hidden heritage.

UPDATE: The results from the Embark Breed Identification Kit are in! About a month after sending in her swab, we received the much-anticipated breakdown via email:

We weren’t surprised to see Chihuahua and Yorkie topping her results, aligning perfectly with what the rescue group had initially told us. And the small percentage of Dachshund confirmed our suspicions, which was a satisfying discovery. However, Pekingese and Maltese were complete curveballs! It still feels quite unusual, given her relatively short hair, but genetics can certainly be full of surprises. What truly baffled us, and continues to do so, is the complete absence of Min Pin in her DNA. Strangers on the street ask us if she’s part Min Pin more than any other breed! It just goes to show that appearances can sometimes be delightfully deceiving when it comes to our furry friends. Regardless of her exact heritage, Penny is a unique and wonderful blend, and we love every single part of her.

Why “Penny”? The Story Behind Her Perfect Name

The name “Penny” was a delightful suggestion from our children, and it immediately felt right, resonating with her sweet disposition and appearance. She’s a small dog, and in several places on her coat, she has beautiful copper-colored markings, much like a shiny new penny. You can particularly notice these lovely, round little spots nestled between her ears, a detail that truly sets her apart (take a look at the photo below to see exactly what I mean!). Beyond her physical attributes, the name also holds a deeper meaning for us. We all felt incredibly fortunate, even lucky, to have found her and welcomed her into our lives. She is, in every sense, our “lucky penny,” a precious find that has brought so much happiness and completeness back into our home.

NOTE: If you’re currently on the hunt for the perfect name for your own furry friend, we’ve got you covered! We have a post full of girl dog name ideas if you need some inspiration. And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about the boys – we also have extensive lists for boy dogs and even girl cats too!

Penny’s Personality: Quirks, Cuddles, and Charm

Since Penny joined our family, a delightful array of nicknames has emerged, each reflecting a different facet of her budding personality. The undisputed family favorite has quickly become “Penny No Pants,” a moniker we all find incredibly endearing. Sherry, our resident Beatle-maniac, often serenades her with “Penny Lane,” which always brings a smile. And then there’s me, our resident weirdo, who finds immense joy in comically elongating her name into random words that “Penny” could theoretically be a nickname for – think Pendulum, Pennsylvania, Pensacola, or even Penicillin! No one else in the family seems to find these particular antics as amusing as I do, but hey, a dad’s gotta dad! Despite my questionable humor, Penny takes it all in stride, showering us with her boundless affection.

Penny is, without a doubt, the ultimate snuggler. The moment any of us settle onto a couch or chair, she comes darting over, eager to curl up right beside us, or sometimes even directly on top! Her need for physical closeness is constant and incredibly heartwarming. And let me tell you about her one adorable floppy ear – it’s just *chef’s kiss*. A perfect, charming imperfection that adds so much character to her already irresistible face. We wouldn’t change a single thing about her; she fits into our family dynamic as if she were always meant to be here, filling our home with warmth and joy.

Beach Adventures with Our Little Explorer

One of Penny’s absolute greatest joys is the beach. She truly adores everything about it, from the sensation of digging her paws into the soft sand, kicking up little clouds behind her as she trots, to the exhilarating moment she spots a bird. Her entire body vibrates with excitement at the prospect of chasing those feathered creatures. It’s a full sensory experience for her, filled with new smells, sounds, and endless opportunities for playful exploration. Watching her discover the wonders of the seaside fills us with so much happiness, seeing her so utterly content and alive in that environment.

Her ultimate goal at the beach seems to be a friendly sniff of a bird, but for some inexplicable reason, those clever birds always seem to fly away just as she gets close. Despite her valiant efforts and determined sprints, they remain just out of reach, leaving her with an adorable look of playful frustration. It’s a comical dance that repeats itself every time, but it never dampens her enthusiasm for the chase. Her joy is simply infectious.

The Unexpected Joy of Adopting an Older Dog

Initially, when we first began considering adopting a new dog, we assumed we would search for a puppy. The psychology made sense: after losing Burger, our desire to maximize our time with a new furry companion led us to believe a puppy was the logical choice. Plus, we had raised Burger from a puppy and felt confident in our ability to train another one. However, as we delved deeper into browsing local rescue pages, a significant reality quickly became apparent: puppies often have waiting lists a mile long. Meanwhile, many wonderful dogs who are a few years older tend to sit in shelters or foster homes for much longer periods, patiently waiting for their forever families.

This realization prompted a shift in our perspective. We broadened our search to include dogs who were a few years past the puppy stage, and we are profoundly grateful that we did. Because that’s when Penny, a vibrant and loving two-and-a-half-year-old, came galloping into our lives. She will be celebrating her third birthday this summer, and we are absolutely thrilled to mark that milestone with her. While it still breaks our hearts that she and Burger never had the chance to meet, Sherry has a beautiful way of looking at it – she believes Burger sent Penny to us. And somehow, that sentiment feels incredibly true, a comforting thought that connects our past love with our present joy.

Settling In: Penny’s Daily Life with Her New Family

As I mentioned earlier, Penny is exceptionally snuggly, craving cuddles and human contact almost constantly. This makes her the perfect companion for two work-at-home individuals like us! As I type this, she’s currently attempting to sleep with her head right on my laptop keyboard, clearly protesting Sherry’s temporary unavailability (Sherry is doing something that requires standing – the audacity!). The moment the kids return from school, there’s a swift, unspoken competition to assume the coveted position of Penny’s snuggle buddy, a testament to her charming and affectionate nature. She seamlessly integrates into our busy yet loving household, always seeking out the warmth and comfort of human presence.

While she doles out affection to everyone, Penny undeniably has a particular soft spot for Sherry. It’s truly endearing to watch. Whenever Sherry leaves the house, even if just for a quick errand, Penny embarks on a thorough and urgent “hunt” around each room, meticulously checking every corner to ensure Sherry isn’t simply hiding somewhere. Her little nose sniffs, her tail wags with hopeful anticipation, and her eyes search with an almost comical determination until she accepts that Sherry is, indeed, gone. Her relief and joy upon Sherry’s return are always palpable, a clear indication of their special bond.

We’ve had Penny for nearly a month now, and it has been an absolute delight to witness her gradually ease into life at our house. With each passing day, her unique personality and charming quirks reveal themselves more fully. It’s a wonderful process, watching a rescue dog truly come into their own, shedding any past anxieties and embracing the security and love of a forever home. Her trust grows stronger, and her playful spirit shines brighter, making every day an adventure.

While she shares some similarities with Burger – like her penchant for finding the warmest, sunniest spots in the house for a nap – Penny definitely possesses a personality and a set of quirks that are entirely her own. For instance, she has an almost cat-like agility, effortlessly springing onto tables and leaping over couch arms with an astonishing lack of fear. We often joke that she must be half mountain goat, given her impressive climbing abilities! It’s both amusing and a little awe-inspiring to watch her navigate our home with such confidence and grace, always exploring new vantage points.

She also has a peculiar, yet utterly endearing, way of relaxing. Her back legs splay out directly behind her, as if they’ve suddenly fallen asleep mid-stretch. It’s an unusual posture that always makes us smile. We’ve theorized various reasons for this unique pose – perhaps it feels wonderfully warm on her belly, or maybe it’s just peak dog comfort. Who knows? Dogs are certainly full of delightful little mysteries and unexpected behaviors that keep life interesting and full of laughter.

The Irresistible Penny Smile

Perhaps our absolute favorite thing about Penny is the way her mouth curls up into this unmistakable, heart-melting smile whenever we snuggle her. It’s a genuine expression of pure contentment and affection. We may not know the full story of her first two and a half years, what challenges she faced or how much love she received, but her radiant smile speaks volumes. It’s as if she’s profoundly, genuinely happy to be living with people who love loving her, who cherish her presence, and who make her feel safe and adored. This authentic joy is a constant reminder of the incredible privilege it is to provide a rescue dog with their forever home.

Sometimes, her smile even includes a flash of her tiny, adorable teeth. I mean, honestly, how can anyone resist that utterly charming face? It’s a smile that communicates happiness, trust, and an abundance of love. It’s a powerful testament to the transformative power of a loving home and the deep bond that forms between humans and their rescued companions. Penny’s grin is truly a beacon of joy in our household.

A Cherished Member of the Petersik Family

In summary: we are beyond thrilled, truly so, so, so thrilled to have Penny in our lives. We are immensely grateful that we felt ready to open our hearts and home to another dog after Burger’s passing. She has brought an immeasurable amount of warmth, laughter, and snuggles back into our family. Penny truly feels as though she was hand-picked just for us – a special gift, perhaps even sent by Burger himself, ensuring our hearts remained full. Her presence has completed our family in a way we didn’t realize we were missing, and every day with her is a blessing.

And now that you’ve been formally introduced to the wonderful Penny Petersik, you won’t be surprised when she begins making regular appearances in blog posts here and there. Most likely, you’ll spot her casually lounging around in a beautifully styled room photo, adding her unique charm to our home decor…

…or perhaps she’ll be caught in the act of fearlessly scaling some piece of furniture to get a better vantage point, eager to observe the world outside her window.

Either way, we truly hope you enjoy having her around these digital parts as much as we cherish having her in our physical home. She has brought immeasurable joy, and we’re excited to share more of her adventures with you all.

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