Friday Funny- How Puppies Are Like Babies

Since Lola has come to be with us, I'm really seeing how puppies are like new babies. If you are considering getting a puppy or having a baby, here are some things you might want to know:

10.) When they are ready to play, you won't be. And vice versa.

9.) You can play and look and shop for the most PERFECT thing for them, spend an inordinate amount of money on the item, and they will still want to play with the cardboard box. And yes, they will both want to chew it.

8.) Everything goes in the mouth.

7.) There is a lot of poop to deal with. On many different levels.

6.) Just when you think you've got it down, a growth spurt comes along and ruins the entire routine.

5.) Accidents will happen. And it will never be at a convenient moment.

4.) Their cuteness will keep you from inflicting punishment.

3.) You will definitely ask yourself," What the HECK was I thinking? How did I get myself into this???!?!?"

2.) They are always hungry. Always thirsty. Always needing attention. Especially when you would prefer to be sleeping.

1.) The purity of the love and affection they give will melt away the aggravation found in items 2-10. When you see the happiness, know the match is right, feel the happiness, take part in the happiness, you'll know you made the right decision.

Yours, repeating #1 to myself daily, as well as #4,

Melissa

Monday Madness- It's ALL Tabitha's Fault

I've been promising that I would tell the story of how Lola came to be with the B Family. The time has come.

We had been having a conversation concerning dog ownership for quite some time. I've never owned an indoor pet. Not a huge fan. Didn't have an indoor dog until I was married and that is only because he was my husband's dog. (The story of my house and dog sitting while we were dating.... I will definitely have to revisit that one...). What can I say? I'm just not a fan of indoor pets. Even our fish, Romeo and Juliet, tend to annoy me. I enjoy my space. I've always said that if I needed another living thing to care for, I would have another baby, and I can state with absolute certainty, THAT. IS. NOT. GOING. TO. HAPPEN.

My son, however, loooooooovvves dogs. For the last ten years, I have been kindly prying him off every single dog that has ever crossed his path. Our neighbors had a dog named Brittany. He played with that dog so much, that when she unexpectedly passed, they were distraught over how they would break the news to my son. He was pretty sad. Not just for a moment, but for days. Then, about 8 weeks later, Tabitha (my neighbor) decided they needed to get a new dog. Meanwhile, I had been looking at dogs on the web, and had decided I wanted a medium sized dog, that did not shed, that was short-haired and most importantly, obedient and NOT YAPPY. So, Tabitha gets on the web and finds a puppy that she falls in love with and brings her home. Her children raced over to share the good news. I don't believe I saw my own Z-kids for the next week with the exception of mealtime. On Wednesday I called her and said,"Fine. I get it. My kids need a dog." I had been watching my son carry that puppy everywhere he went. If her own children were ever going to get any time with their puppy, I was going to need to intervene.

Tabitha laughed at my statement and said,"You know, there are more in the litter." "I know," I replied, " But I'm not sure about it. Oh, what the heck. Give me the woman's number and I'll call and JUST check it out."

Fast forward to Friday. I had been trading messages with the woman who had the puppies. Tabitha decided to bring her puppy over for a visit. (She knew EXACTLY what she was doing.) Once I took that puppy in my arms and she licked my face, and breathed her sweet, stinky puppy breath in my face, I was in puppy love. (Yes, I'm a sucker!)

I am now the owner of a dog that will grow to be about 100 pounds, as well as be a long-haired shedding machine. She still has accidents, and I've spent more money in the last few weeks just getting her settled and we haven't even hit the vet yet!

But the kids are over the moon about her. They laugh and giggle and play. They actually feed her, walk her and take responsibility for her. Had I known they would react this way, I would have done it sooner. (Maybe. I dunno). It's work, but seeing the smiles on my Little Zs faces, I don't regret it. Yet. :)

Yours, getting ready to take my Z3 on a walk,

Melissa

Teaching Her a Lesson!

Melissa and I are friends, yes. But we are also business partners. And within a business relationship, there are agreements. When these agreements are broken, there must be consequences. Today, Melissa will see one of these consequences of her actions. Or should I say, a NON-action.

Our primary business, of course, is our books. But we also maintain this blog. Melissa’s job is to blog on Mondays and Fridays, and I blog on Wednesdays. But Melissa failed to blog this past Monday. Why, you may ask? After all, she’s on spring break right now from her teaching job. She should have all sorts of free time to blog.

Here’s why: SHE GOT A NEW PUPPY!!!

The consequence of not doing her job: I’m taking what should rightfully be her blog topic!

Just look at this picture:

Is she the MOST ADORABLE little thing you’ve ever seen? Her name is Lola and she is the fluffiest, cutest, snuggliest (yes, it’s a word) puppy EVER!!! I am completely in love with her, and she’s not even mine! (My dog’s nose was attached to me for about an hour after I got home!) I want to be at Melissa’s house ALL THE TIME, but only when nobody else is home so I don’t have to share Lola with anybody. Is that wrong?

Okay, I think I’ve taught Melissa a lesson here. And while she’s thinking of a topic for her Friday blog post, I’ll be playing with Lola in the basement!

Karen