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Welcome to the Family, Catfish!

cobalt sconce | planter boxes | dining chairs

The Cat(fish) is out of the bag

Our sweet foster dog is officially a Vargo! Never, at any point, did our ‘plans’ include adopting the first dog we fostered through One Tail at a Time. But if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that there is no plan. This has been a year of pain, education, growth – and so much more – for so many of us, and for so many reasons. 2020 will forever be the year that we lost our VIP family members, Jack and CC. It will be the year that we felt ready to foster dogs, to open our door and hearts to pets in search of their forever homes.

It will also be the year that we received the most precious gift in the form of a fluffy white dog, a dog named Catfish, a dog that can only be described as ‘dainty’ and ‘angelic’ and ‘gentle’ and all things sugar and spice. She is generous with her kisses, provides comic relief. Her ears are impossibly soft, mottled with ombre speckles.

Boop!

There’s no doubt in our minds that Catfish was chosen for us, hand-selected by Jack and CC. Those two laughed at our ‘plans’ to foster All the Dogs. In the beginning, I told Scott: I want to foster small dogs, big dogs, scrappy dogs and fluffy dogs. I want a rotating cast of Bullies, a little scruffer that’ll snuggle in my lap. And yet, who were we to decide our fate? All of those plans went out the window the moment that Catfish entered our lives, the moment she kissed Lucy, napped on our bed and blessed us with a nose boop!

One Tail at a Time Adoption Center

This week, we had our photo taken on One Tail at a Time’s notorious blue sofa. The same sofa that we pulled out of the trash many years ago, and carried into the One Tail Adoption Center that we designed! 5 years ago, we sat on that sofa with Jack and CC. Today, we sit on this sofa with a Catfish, a Lucy, and the feeling that this was all a part of the plan – even though we never saw it coming.

Welcome to our family, Catfish!

Psst: We’re keeping her name, and we’re trying out the nickname ‘Kitty.’

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  • Cath7.31.20 - 5:28 AM

    Aww guys! You’ve given me huge lump in my throat and my whole family did spontaneous cheers when I told them. Wishing you years of doggy loveReplyCancel

    • Kim7.31.20 - 8:41 AM

      Thank you, you guys are truly the best.ReplyCancel

  • Jen B7.31.20 - 6:14 AM

    Welcome home, Catfish! ❤️ReplyCancel

  • Debbie7.31.20 - 6:20 AM

    I think you are the only ones surprised at your foster fail, LOL! We readers saw this coming from the first post about Catfish. Congratulations! ❤️????ReplyCancel

    • mino7.31.20 - 8:14 AM

      So true, we totally saw it coming <3 Congratulations!!!ReplyCancel

    • Kim7.31.20 - 8:41 AM
    • Miruska7.31.20 - 9:48 AM

      Yep, pretty much :-)ReplyCancel

    • Sara7.31.20 - 2:40 PM

      Me too! Me too! Me too! SO HAPPY IT’S OFFICIAL!!!! Welcome to your forever home, Catfish!!!! ????ReplyCancel

    • Cait7.31.20 - 3:18 PM

      Agreed! Your love of her was so clear. :) ReplyCancel

      • Zoe7.31.20 - 8:54 PM

        Yes! She was so at home immediately- it was so clear from the start. ❤️ReplyCancel

  • Tara7.31.20 - 6:28 AM

    This is the sweetest news ever! Makes me so happy. Congratulations!!ReplyCancel

  • Kristin7.31.20 - 6:29 AM

    How could you not keep her as part of your family?! :o) So happy for your family and Catfish!ReplyCancel

  • Michelle7.31.20 - 6:42 AM

    This brought tears to my eyes this morning! So happy for you all! ReplyCancel

  • Rachel7.31.20 - 6:42 AM

    Ever since your first post about fostering, I felt like Catfish was meant to stay with you. So happy for you guys!!ReplyCancel

  • Ashley Hoehn7.31.20 - 6:57 AM

    Oh my goodness I’m so happy for you! Catfish is beautiful and it looks like you are all equally lucky to have each other! ReplyCancel

  • Brenda7.31.20 - 7:04 AM

    I am so happy Catfish is joining the family!!!!  ReplyCancel

  • Stacy7.31.20 - 7:21 AM

    Congratulations! Clearly she’s thrilled, and it’s so nice to see your family healing ❤️ReplyCancel

  • Jill7.31.20 - 8:19 AM

    Those doggie smiles say it all!ReplyCancel

  • lak7.31.20 - 8:28 AM

    Well that just made my day!  You all look so happy together, and the dog looks absolutely full of bliss!!!  Perhaps you will still foster a small dog, after this year I don’t think any of us can predict the future!  Ha  On a side note, your daughter is  a beautiful little girl now, can hardly make out any toddler left!  ReplyCancel

    • Kim7.31.20 - 8:40 AM

      She’s growing too fast! Slow down, slow down!ReplyCancel

  • Sarah7.31.20 - 8:38 AM

    That pup looks so happy to be home. Congrats Catfish! ReplyCancel

  • Teresa7.31.20 - 8:44 AM

    She looks SO HAPPY!ReplyCancel

  • Julia7.31.20 - 8:57 AM

    Crying big sloppy happy tears for you all this morning.  Welcome home Catfish!ReplyCancel

  • Arli7.31.20 - 8:58 AM

    So, so happy for this wonderful news! Catfish Vargo, I like it!ReplyCancel

  • Jonelle7.31.20 - 9:02 AM

    Best news I’ve heard all month! Catfish and Lucy looked like it was love at first sight from your photos.ReplyCancel

  • Sam7.31.20 - 9:04 AM

    That smile! Congrats on your new family member! We have a foster fail too and it was the best decision we’ve ever made. She was our 3rd foster dog and she just fit into our family so well that we knew it was meant to be. We already had 2 dogs and I never expected to have three, but Jelly was the best addition. ReplyCancel

  • KB7.31.20 - 9:09 AM

    Haha. I knew she was yours from yesterday’s video and also from day 1. Enjoy her! ReplyCancel

  • Sarah7.31.20 - 9:11 AM

    Yay for Catfish! She already fits so perfectly in the family. How old is she?ReplyCancel

    • Kim7.31.20 - 9:39 AM

      We think she’s about 5 years old. :)ReplyCancel

  • Sue7.31.20 - 9:25 AM

    I just can’t stop tearing up; first when I saw your Instagram post and again when I came here to read your blog. I am so happy for you. It’s been such a difficult year so far and Catfish “Kitty” Vargo is bringing a much deserved burst of joy to your family. You made my week and I know this adoption decision made yours!!ReplyCancel

  • Charla7.31.20 - 9:33 AM

    You guys!  This makes me SO happy!  I’m teary and thrilled and ecstatic for your family. Sweet Catfish was meant to be yours.  I’ve been hoping she’d stay!ReplyCancel

  • SheLikesToTravel7.31.20 - 9:51 AM

    It was clear in every photo that Catfish had picked you all… I am so glad you picked her back!ReplyCancel

  • Rachel7.31.20 - 9:52 AM

    Yay—and congrats! I’m so looking forward to lots more of Catfish in your posts and stories!ReplyCancel

  • Heather O.7.31.20 - 10:00 AM

    Catfish’s big smile on the blue couch just kills me! So happy for your sweet family!ReplyCancel

  • Kimmy7.31.20 - 10:03 AM

    Aweee! Why am I crying right now?! Haha SO HAPPY for you! ReplyCancel

  • Ryan7.31.20 - 10:14 AM

    So exciting!  Welcome home, Catfish!ReplyCancel

  • Tonya7.31.20 - 10:20 AM

    Catfish is quite possibly the most photogenic dog ever. Her facial expressions are the best! Congrats on the doggy stars aligning to bring y’all together. I look forward to many, many, many more “Daily Catfish” updates.ReplyCancel

  • Molly7.31.20 - 10:25 AM

    That pic of her smiling at the end says it all. This feels so right!! I got chills when I saw your post. Thrilled for all of you!!ReplyCancel

  • Yessenia Villa M7.31.20 - 10:33 AM

    I am so glad you guys welcomed a new dog to your family. I am sure catfish is happy to finally have a loving home.  Me and my family welcomed a pit bull/lab mix to our family. We named our new pet Minnie.  She’s a beautiful,fun loving little dog. ReplyCancel

  • Cortney Sloan7.31.20 - 10:43 AM

    Omg, I am so happy for you.  Just yesterday when you posted the photo of her by the wall all funny I thought “they have to keep her and call her kitty. How funny would it be to call a dog by yelling ‘here kitty, kitty.” AND BAM!!!! It all comes true.  Welcome Kitty/Catfish!ReplyCancel

  • Beverly7.31.20 - 10:46 AM

    Loove!!! i was hoping you’d fail at fostering so Catfish will have a success at a forever home!  ReplyCancel

  • Helen7.31.20 - 10:47 AM

    You guys amaze me. With all the construction projects, a toddler, blogging and filming, you still generously give time to an animal in need.  How inspiring! Jack and CC angels are so proud of you all.  Catfish will live a wonderfully long life with your family.ReplyCancel

  • MP Allegaert7.31.20 - 10:47 AM

    This is the sweetest story with the happiest ending!ReplyCancel

  • Kate7.31.20 - 10:53 AM

    Congrats! I was midway through this post when my foster dog’s adopter came to pick her up. It’s much easier to say goodbye to a foster when you have a dog of your own still warming the bed. Once Catfish is settled, you can start fostering again.ReplyCancel

  • Melissa7.31.20 - 10:54 AM

    AMAZING. So glad it was a foster fail and you guys bonded.    ReplyCancel

  • Barbara Flynn7.31.20 - 10:58 AM

    So happy for you guys!!!  I thought she looked like she fit perfectly!ReplyCancel

  • Maggie7.31.20 - 11:06 AM

    Obsessed!! I show my husband your Catfish photos daily and am so glad you adopted her. We have a foster failure, too (I think she was dog 8 or so). Can’t help who you fall in love with when it comes to pets and fosters! Congratulations.ReplyCancel

  • AJ7.31.20 - 11:24 AM

    So happy for y’all! Our first foster was a fail too and we have zero regrets. When you know, you know! ReplyCancel

  • Alysha7.31.20 - 11:42 AM

    I have been hoping, waiting for this news…knowing it would come! Welcome home, Catfish, you are so loved!ReplyCancel

  • Katy7.31.20 - 11:55 AM

    This is the best news, friends! So happy for you all and can’t wait to meet Catfish!ReplyCancel

  • Joanna7.31.20 - 11:55 AM

    YAYYYYYY!!!! Congrats on your new girl, and thanks for this 100% happy post :) I love her name. Hope you feature her prominently in future content…we all need more happy wags and doggie grins! ReplyCancel

  • Hannah K.7.31.20 - 12:04 PM

    The BEST NEWS! Congratulations, Catfish – you hit the jackpot. Take care of them!
    P.S. That cover photo is perfection.ReplyCancel

  • Ashley - The Gold Hive7.31.20 - 12:10 PM

    I still can’t get over that photo of Scott and Catfish in looooove with each other. (the header one) I can’t wait to one day curl up on the floor with her. <3 What a lucky lady to be with you forever and ever!ReplyCancel

  • Jessica7.31.20 - 12:34 PM

    Congratulations! I am so happy for you all!ReplyCancel

  • kasey c7.31.20 - 1:07 PM

    That first picture on the sofa at OTAT–she KNOWS. She knows this is it! congratulations to all! ReplyCancel

  • Hillary7.31.20 - 1:21 PM

    Ahhhhh! I’m so glad you didn’t let your initial foster plans interrupt what life threw your way. I still wonder about one of the dogs we fostered, who I continue to refer to as “the one who got away.” I wish we’d kept her and am SO glad you won’t experience that with Miss Catfish. Hugs and nose boops all around. Congratulations!ReplyCancel

  • Kim B7.31.20 - 1:22 PM

    What WONDERFUL news!  She looks like SUCH a sweet girl.  I am so happy for you guys and for her. ReplyCancel

  • Lea7.31.20 - 1:23 PM

    Tears over here! This is the sweetest news and your pup has brought happiness to people even many miles away. Congratulations! ReplyCancel

  • Brittany7.31.20 - 1:31 PM

    This is beyond! Congrats and so very happy for you guys! Catfish looks like the perfect addition to your home.ReplyCancel

  • Yael @ Nosherium7.31.20 - 1:40 PM

    OMG YAY!!!! Catfish is the sweetest, and I’m so glad Jack and CC sent her to you. ReplyCancel

  • Joyce7.31.20 - 1:41 PM

    I’m not crying….your crying ????ReplyCancel

  • at home with ashley7.31.20 - 1:51 PM

    What a sweetie! Enjoy her and give her lots of hugs!ReplyCancel

  • Kalli7.31.20 - 1:53 PM

    Love her mellow energy, she’s a sweetie.ReplyCancel

  • Carol7.31.20 - 2:05 PM

    Definitely saw that one coming!  Congrats on the Foster Fail, and wishing you a long life with Catfish!  ReplyCancel

  • Jessica7.31.20 - 2:16 PM

    So happy it worked out for all of you. CC and Jack are the true guardians of 2020! ????????ReplyCancel

  • phyllis7.31.20 - 2:31 PM

    That photo on the blue sofa explains it all. Welcome to your newest member!ReplyCancel

  • MB7.31.20 - 3:02 PM

    Best foster fail news ever.  She seems like the absolute sweetest!ReplyCancel

  • Jessica7.31.20 - 3:07 PM

    I am so happy for you guys ! I was 11 and named my first dog Kitty and I think it would be the sweetest nickname for Catfish ❤️ReplyCancel

  • Jennifer7.31.20 - 5:28 PM

    I am so happy for you guys!!! Congratulations!ReplyCancel

  • Kate7.31.20 - 6:39 PM

    Her face!! Like she knew it all along & was just waiting for you guys to realize it! Love this love story!ReplyCancel

  • Karen7.31.20 - 6:48 PM

    So happy for all of you❤️????????ReplyCancel

  • Sheila7.31.20 - 7:04 PM

    Happy Gotcha Day, Catfish – you picked a great family!ReplyCancel

  • Courtney7.31.20 - 8:21 PM

    Please tell me you own the book ‘Let’s Get A Pup Said Kate’….if not….you must!!!  Lucy needs this in her life.  I still know it by heart 14 years later.  Sweetest family of dog adopters ever.  The illustratiobs if the family are perfection!  ReplyCancel

    • Kim7.31.20 - 8:55 PM

      I’ll have to check it out, thank you!ReplyCancel

  • Layne Dalgetty-Rouse8.1.20 - 12:00 AM

    Such a lucky pup…so happy for you all!!ReplyCancel

  • Melissa8.1.20 - 6:42 AM

    Congrats!!! And still plenty of time to foster other pups…ReplyCancel

    • Kim8.1.20 - 1:18 PM

      We think she’ll make a wonderful foster sister. So patient, kind and gentle!ReplyCancel

  • Michele8.1.20 - 9:18 AM

    I don’t know why this post made me cry!  I’m so happy for you guys.  Something so simple as someone else providing a forever home for a doggie…  I won’t lie – this year has been hard.. for everyone.  I was so happy to come to your site today to read you adopted Catfish.  Thank you for making me smile today.ReplyCancel

  • Jon8.1.20 - 11:05 AM

    Aww I love the nickname Kitty! Then like in Monsters, Inc. Lucy can be Boo :-)ReplyCancel

  • Karen8.1.20 - 7:25 PM

    Yay! I’m so happy (and relieved). I’ve spent way too much time thinking that Catfish would never find a more perfect family for her forever home. So, thanks! One less thing for me to worry about.ReplyCancel

  • Shauna Mooney8.2.20 - 7:58 AM

    Catfish is the PERFECT name because she definitely tricked y’all into keeping her. I love it so much. She is adorable, and so are you, and oh my gosh Lucy is so big. Congratulations. My heart hurts thinking about Jack & CC being gone (I have known them longer than any of my own dogs, or kid!!) but this sweet doggo is a perfect addition to your fam. ReplyCancel

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