This is Hugo.

"Who's a good boy?  ME!  ME!!  I'm a good boy!"

I've always had a smooshy spot for big dogs.  Zoey, our great pyrenees, was one of the sweetest, silliest, most gentle dogs I've ever met; and when she died in 2010, part of my heart passed right along with her.

Since then, we adopted & lost Lulu (a saint bernard) in January of 2012 AND Daisy (another saint bernard) in May of 2012.  Losing both girls within a few short months was very, very difficult for me; and I've kinda sorta shuttered off the puppy loving portion of my heart.

Until now.  This?  Is Hugo.  Just look at that face.  160# of pure English Mastiff marshmallow.  He's available for adoption at a shelter about 45 minutes north of here.

I've requested more information & we're (hopefully) going to meet him tomorrow.

I know, I know.  The timing is terrible.  My Dad is going to have surgery to remove part of his lung in the coming weeks (just after the first of the year, I think), and I'll be looking after him and my mom and their rambunctious Brittany Spaniel until he's back on his feet again.

"Love me.  Please.  Just love me."

But something about Hugo just feels right to me. 

I think it's the face.

Those big, slobbery, droopy floobies (jowls) & those sweet, soulful eyes.  He's just so soppy looking, isn't he?

But it depends on his temperament, really.  If he's anxious or shows any signs of dog aggression, there's just no way we can bring him home.  As much as I would like to have another pup around, I just can't take the chance of a dog hurting Mason if he has a tantrum or screaming fit when we're all together.

So, we'll see.  I'm cautiously optimistic.

Dare I say . . . maybe even a little hopeful?

**Images courtesy of Petfinder.

***Edited to add:  The shelter was closed today (Monday) for the holidays; but Hugo already has a pending application on file.  I'm going to touch base with the manager on Thursday, when they reopen, & see if the other people followed through; but it looks like Hugo may be spoken for.

I'm sorry it may not be with us, but man, it fills my heart with joy to think of this big guy going to a warm, loving home.