The Puppy Settles In

October 19th, 2009 by AmyL · 1 Comment

It’s hard to believe, but next week marks the two-month anniversary of us being dog owners. Two years ago I certainly wasn’t interested in getting a dog at all, let alone a young puppy.

And yet? Here we are. Keely has become a member of the family. As I type she’s sitting in her usual evening spot right next to me on the couch. Hubby and the boys spent a good amount of time romping with her today and I’m actually shocked that she’s still awake. Ah, there she goes. The eyes are closing.

Having a puppy is similar to and yet different from having boys kids. We’re back to dealing with poop and pee, but I’m not changing diapers and it should take a few months to potty-train instead of a few years. There are regular visits to the vet for shots, but she’s so interested in the treats they give she hasn’t even noticed. So no screaming or holding her down. Our biggest problem was keeping her from licking the vet to pieces (she’s rather an affectionate pup so far).

We wound up with a high energy breed, but the boys have managed to keep her busy so far. They’ve also learned a good deal about parenting in their own way. It’s not completely clear to them, but they seem to be grasping the fact that having rules and structure actually makes a happier doggie.

I’m hoping they broaden that understanding someday and realize that having rules and structure makes for happier boys as well. (A mom can dream, can’t she?) I’m guessing that realization will strike sometime around the age of 25.

In the meantime, I’m happy to report that we’re doing well with all the changes. I’m looking forward to her being all grown up and trained, but this stage is fun too. I’ve seen the reports that dogs make life happier. Now I’m a believer.

What about you? What kinds of pets do you have? Are you glad you do? Is this what you expected when you first invited them into your home?

by AmyL

Photo graciously provided by AmyL, through a Creative Commons license, some rights reserved

Share This Post:

Recent Posts By AmyL

1 response so far ↓

Daleus // Oct 21, 2009 at 4:37 am

Since I first lived on my own at the age of 17, I’ve had a cat. In fact, I’ve had as many as four of them at one time. The herding is a nightmare.

They have been great companions over the years and I have been lucky to never have run across the “aloof” cat that’s mentioned so often.

My cat meets me at the door everyday when I come home and with exceptions, I’ve been blessed to not have cats that tear up the furniture or eat everything off the kitchen counter.

My current companion, Satch-Mo, is a terrific rodent vanquisher as well, a plus when you live in the country.