Grand children would be easier

[brynmawr1]

Hi Bryn,

How about "Waiting for Grandchildren"? I don't think the current title quite fits the poem's sentiment, but the mention of grandchildren does work, I think. The original title made me think this as the speaker's own child, as opposed to a grandchild, which might be easier because of the lesser time/responsibility involved. The portrayal of the dog here doesn't make me think grandchildren would be easier, as it doesn't seem like a difficult dog or anything. 

All the best,

Trev

We struggled to find a name [Shift from past tense here to present later felt awkward]
hoping to plug a hole or put
an egg back in the nest. [I don't get the idea in lines 2 or 3, but that might just be me]
 
Only eleven weeks, 8.9lbs
we decide on Penny, tho’
my wife has started calling her
Pepper. [put at end of previous line]
 
She loves that fuzzy bear we bought
at Target, soft as my heart,
which she ravages like [she owns it - give a more visceral image: like a cat killing a pigeon, etc.].
 
On walks people ask what she is
with her tufted, terrier scruff
of a chin and her half-mast ears. [Great image for the ears]
 
[I feel another verse is needed here. The reply comes too quick. Slow the pace a bit near the end]

I say she is everything. [Quite a nice finish]

Hi Trevor,
Thank you for your comments.  The tense issue was due to a last minute edit while I was posting.  Thanks for catching it.  Working on the inserted verse you suggested but I do worry that separating the question from the answer too much will confuse the reader, a little whip-lash.  Regarding the title, I see your point about linking to the theme of the poem.  Will work on that, too.  I appreciate your comments.
Cheers
Bryn