A little over two years ago, a dear client of mine from Ann Arbor passed away at the age of 12 1/2. I was brought into her life by her owners two years prior to that, since they wanted reliable care for her when they were away periodically.

After meeting mom, dad and dog, it was clear that this big girl - a malamute/lab mix - and I were fast friends. Her dad especially was very attached to her and despite his initial apprehension, I think that he could see this new relationship was going to be well cemented. I spent considerable time with her over the next two years while her parents were away, and during the last few months of her life, when she started requiring a little more consideration on occasion with potty breaks midday and eventually an assistive device was needed to help her get around as her back legs were affected by Degenerative Myleopathy.

There's been quite a hole left by her passing felt not just by me, but obviously her owners. The empty quiet, the lack of well-worn dog toys, the absence of happy dog sneezes -- it was tough to get used to. It took quite awhile for them to be "ready" to accept four new paws to romp around the house. For the first couple of months of this year, there were brief mentions of their inklings about a new pup.

A trip over Easter was a pivotal point for my clients. Spending a few days in the mountains down south on spring break reminded them of several trips that they had taken with their girl that they missed so much. The Three Musketeers, they were! It became pretty clear that it was time to welcome a new puppy.

The serious hunt began a couple of months ago, scouring PetFinder.com and area animal rescue websites. My clients liked Petfinder's format as it enabled them to look around to see what puppies - and adult and senior - were available for adoption in the area. PetFinder linked to rescue group sites as well as classified listings of pets.

It was a tough search. "They are all so cute and need homes... they're heartbreakers!" they would call and say. Weighing their strong desire for another set of paws to share their life with, and staying mindful of finding the right one - a breed mix and temprament that felt was a match for them - they stayed in touch with coordinator at Last Chance Animal Rescue.

The family got word from her that there was a litter of lab/mix puppies that were due to become available within days - right up their alley. After a couple of meet and greets with the litter mates, I am delighted to say that their search has ended. The beautiful mixed breed pup is a perfect fit for her new tribe. I got a call from her blissful mom and dad this past weekend announcing her arrival home. Alternating between sleeping, playing, eating and going potty, the yet un-named 8 week old is getting quickly settled into her new digs. She even has that unmistakeable puppy smell.

I stopped by on Sunday evening to meet the new addition, and that hushed calm that only dusk avails gave way to the mutual enthusiasm that she and I had. Mom and dad brought her outside and set her down on the deck. I approached, dropped down to get on all fours, and met her halfway. She sniffed me thoroughly, wagged her tail and began to play - evidently giving final approval. I'm going to be a big part of her life. This week, we've spent a lot of time bonding, playing and just getting to know each other. I'm not just her pet sitter. I'm her caregiver.

It's amazing what the experience has done. When I entered the house Sunday evening, it was evident that this puppy has transformed the very essence of the home that she inhabits. Seeing the new doggy dishes on the floor, the crate set up, the bag of puppy food, the age appropriate toys strewn about, her family's joy: there's a sense of energy, life and expectation of a new phase of the family's journey.

Lorrie Shaw is owner of Professional Pet Sitting, a pet blogger and a regular contributor to AnnArbor.com. You'll find her in neighborhoods in the area dog walking and caring for other pets. Stop her and say hello or contact her via e-mail.