My dream.

Ever since we made the announcement that we are leaving Korea and moving back to Chicago, talk of establishing a new home there has included discussion related to: which neighborhood of the city to move to, financing a new apartment (read: buying this time!), what kind of car to get, and finding new jobs. Though I will be sad to leave Korea (we've had a really really really great experience here and have made some truly wonderful friends), I must admit, I am excited to be researching and thinking about what life will look like for us come 2009. And one dream at the top of my list that we have put off for several years is becoming dog-owners.
When we lived in Virginia and were first married, we didn't really have the time to devote to a dog (and we had a pretty small apartment). Here in Korea we momentarily considered getting one, but realized it wouldn't be fair to the dog when we'd have to put it in quarantine for six months on returning to the U.S. (Plus, not having a dog here has allowed us the freedom to travel around Korea and the surrounding countries). Also, the dogs they sell here are typically teeny little things (read: a lot of poodles!) and are not treated very well.
But NOW! The conditions are right! The timing is right! And the wait will soon be over :) And the dogs you see above represent the breed that I am most interested in...the BOXER! These dogs (from what I've read) sound fantastic and like the perfect fit. They are great with children, they are loyal and affectionate, energetic and intelligent, don't shed really, and are very expressive. I haven't read one negative review about them yet. And my cousin and his wife own one (Cash), and the whole family is taken with him. And, I'm sorry, but could the ones pictured above (especially the first puppy), be any darn cuter?!
This is my dream for 2009 (or the end of 2008--Christmas puppy!). If Santa does not bring us one for Christmas (hint, hint!), then we will probably adopt one from one of the pet rescue places in Chicago. But if anyone out there has any thoughts about boxers or knows of any puppies for sale, let me know! Until then, I will live with my anticipation :)