The Puppy Dog

I have been remiss. Oh my goodness. How I have let this drag on for so long, I have no idea! A little while (ok, like 2 posts and 3 months ago), I mentioned we adopted a four-legged bundle of joy. We're almost 3 months into this whole dog-parent thing (don't be surprised when I refer to him as "puppy." He's not. He's just too cute to not call him my puppy) now and that lone post remains the only evidence of Mister in our lives :(.
We've had an...interesting time so far! We've had to deal with separation anxiety, so if y'all have any tips, let them roll! Consequently, we've been working with a behaviorist. Becoming confident leaders has been tough, but he's catching on to not being first and not getting attention because he's asking for it. We still struggle with his constant barking when he's in his crate and I'm gone (I'm the one he's attached to), though. Our trainer keeps reminding us that "Separation anxiety is a marathon, not a sprint." The goal is to have him be able to stay home after Christmas when I head to Ohio for a wedding and Husband stays home. That gives us 3 months. Sigh. Start praying now!
Don't get me wrong! When we're home, Mister is the sweetest thing. He loves his weekend belly rubs and ear scratches. He never barks at other people or animals. He's perfectly content to lay around and sleep all day. We're in love and we're trying our best to help him understand he's a keeper!
Enough words though. This little boy is too cute to not post a zillion pictures!
















Our first family portrait, while on vacation in Canada












Helping Dad play his video games













"I love having my neck and belly scratched!

Enjoying the back yard


Naturally, as Halloween approaches, we will have super-adorable pictures of Mister in his costume. Not sure what he'll be yet. Husband has his heart set on Batman, but Target was sold out in stores and I don't really want to pay shipping for it. I might have to DIY Batman.

Puppies

How I long for a puppy. We had a dog when I was growing up, but a) she was grown when they got her, b) They got her before me, so I definitely never saw puppy, and c) she was always "Melanie's dog." I will admit she was usually only "Melanie's dog" when in trouble, but that's beside the point. Anyway, I've always wanted my own dog. Obviously I couldn't have one in college. When Adam and I moved in, we thought about a dog. Until we saw our apartment's pet policy.
Why yes, we can have one. No, no weight restrictions. Just pay a multi-hundreds of dollars deposit and outrageous monthly pet rent. Their website now shows much more reasonable fees, but I maintain the previous statement.
Apartment living in general, plus the atrocity of it's pet policy led us to decide to get a dog when we own a house. Something with a yard so we can let it out. Well we're officially in the housing market this spring with plans to close early summer! Before I drive out the Humane Society, however, Adam brings me back to earth that moving will be stressful enough; do I really want to try to house train a puppy, too? Probably wouldn't be the best idea, no. Sigh. We're subscribing to the 28 Days (Sandra Bullock, not zombies) method of relationships: When you think you're ready, get a plant (check). If you keep the plant alive for a year, get a dog. If that's still alive after however long, then you're ready for the relationship. Well, I've kept 3 of 5 plants alive for a year, so I think we're ready!
So on the first anniversary of owning a house (summer off = time to housebreak), I will fulfill a dream. I've already picked out what breed I'd really like, though we will be getting one from the Humane Society, so we could end up with anything. I've picked a name, but I may let Adam throw some out there as well.
Supposedly you can't buy happiness. But happiness is a warm puppy. And you CAN buy a puppy...