The Fifth Member of Team Armstrong: Talos

Now that we've finally decided on a name, I can blog this post! Meet Talos, the Rhodesian Ridgeback/Lab mix puppy we added to our family last week! After much deliberation, many visits to the pet store to see him, and several discussions, this boy became the fifth member of our family. 

It only took us 9 days (thanks to someone being super picky... cough James cough cough), but we've finally come up with a name we both feel is perfect for our little man: Talos. Not that we haven't come up with some phenomenal names, this is just the first one that seems, well, perfect. And here's why.

Talos is a Greek man made of bronze. Hence, our first liking of the name because Talos has a very bronze coat. Though seemingly black, his Rhodesian red is showing under and becoming more prominent day by day, emitting a bronze coloring. He was also a gift from Zeus to his lover, Europa, as a protector. We both absolutely loved this aspect. While James loves Talos to death, he is very much a Momma's boy. And when we run into things on our walks that he deems "scary," his first instinct is to get in front of me and protect me from danger. Lastly, the Greek Talos would throw rocks at any intruders on the island he was guarding, which is truly more than fitting for him seeing as he picks up and chews any rock that he can find. 

It just...fit. Every piece of it just fell into place with him. And he just fell into place with us. 

We were apprehensive about getting another puppy because our hearts still miss Atlas, very much, and we both agreed to not get a dog until California. But, you can't deny when things just line up. James had been eyeing Rhodesian Ridgebacks, but he wanted a mix. And then one just showed up without either of our knowledge. It was almost as if fate was calling to us. Both of us truly had a need for a puppy in our life. There's something about the unconditional love they give and how they're just so innocent. We've wanted to add a pup to our family for so long, but there's just been one thing or another that wasn't right. Now that we're settling and stable enough to give a puppy the patience and attention one needs, everything is just about right. And things seem so perfect. 

I don't think either of us could deny that life with Talos is so much more satisfying than life without him. It's been 9 days, but life 9 days ago just seems less unfulfilled than it does now. We're so happy with the decision we made and look forward to the years we have with him ahead.