As soon as she was placed, shaking and scared in our car, the kids began talking about adopting her, but I made it clear upfront. That was NOT going to happen. Well, it seemed other plans were in the works. Two weeks turned into two months. Each appointment they told us she needed more time. And everyone was a little relieved, especially Avonlea, with who she had formed some incredible bond–seldom leaving her side when it wasn’t yet time for her to leave.