Wes brought home a cute little puppy when he came to visit us for Christmas. She is a blue heeler and he named her Sydney.
Here are the pictures from that first night:
I was actually very proud of myself for even remembering to take pictures. I was VERY surprised.Now, she is almost full grown. Here are some pictures from a month or so ago:
It is obvious she absolutely loves the kids. Wes and I both thought it was very funny that she snuggled up to them and decided to "watch" the movie with them.Anyway, this whole "having a dog" thing is not quite what I thought it would be. Like I said, when Wes brought her home I was extremely surprised and maybe even a little angry! Yes, I'll admit it. I was expecting to have him home for a couple weeks and just relax and be together. Let me just say, having a puppy is NOT relaxing. I was an emotional wreck!
So, after Wes went back to Arizona, I sent Sydney to his parents' house. I was too emotional and tired to deal with her. (Note: I was five weeks pregnant at the time, and I did consider just selling her.) They have three other dogs, and between my in-law's hard work and the example of their other dogs, Sydney learned a lot during that month.
We talked and talked about it and decided when he got home we would give it another try.
Sydney is an amazing dog. She is very smart. We are also amazed at how well she deals with the kids. They are constantly trying to give her commands, pulling on her tail, trying to get her to play fetch, playing with her food, etc. etc. Halley used to even climb in her crate! She learns quickly and is very patient.
However, I am still having some issues with having a dog. I guess I am just having a hard enough time dealing with three kids and being pregnant. I always wanted a dog growing up, and now I wonder what in the world I was thinking! They are a lot of work, especially with kids around.
I still think about maybe getting rid of her (don't tell Wes I said that), but I highly doubt that will happen. The kids and Wes love her too much. I think things will get better as she gets older, but I just hope the "puppy" time goes quickly!
4 comments:
We want a dog. But realize it is not the right time for us. So we have a cat. Let me just say, perfect for us at this point. Very little to do, and the kids love her, and she is incredible in how they play with her and she just takes it. Good luck with the dog. It is like another child, so maybe if you think of it in that way, it might help. I think pregnancy hormones don't help though. Also, perhaps some of the chores the kids can be responsible for, like making sure she has food and water. Good excuse to go for a walk too. Take care.
puppies are HARD! It takes them about 3 years to get to a point where they are good dogs and actually nice to have around. :) So.... you got 3 years girl. hahahah I love my dog, I wouldn't trade her for the world.... and she's been around for 9 years now. Seeesh! Is that how long we've known each other??? :) PS... if you keep the dog outside, it's even easier... which I recommend for a bigger dog. It'll be sad for them at first, but they get over it. I grew up with outside dogs, and they are fun to play with still.
You are a good woman - I would tell Jonny he can sleep out in the dog house with the dog! Just kidding...kind of. Jonny really wants one too but I keep holding out until we are at least homeowners again.
Good luck! I totally understand about you being angry.
PS I was reading online the other day about how they can train dogs to smell when you have low blood sugar and they can alert you...intersting stuff!
Um, yah. A puppy is seriously like having a baby with all the attention they need--training, etc. So, it's pretty much like having another kid. That's why I decided I couldn't do it now. We have a foster dog, but that situation is very temporary. And I'm glad, cause I get tired and frustrated and am less patient with my kids by having another being (aka dog) to take care of.
Good luck. I would say they are not a good surprise. Especially when you're pregnant. You're a champ.
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