Glances and Chances: Big Year, Big Changes Part III: Puppy Love

As hard as last week's post was to write, I'm glad to move on to something a little lighter. 6 lbs lighter to be exact.

And let me preface by saying that after Walton passed, we knew we would get another dog. We are hardcore dog people and can't enjoy our home without one. But we certainly didn't think it would happen so fast!

In fact, our original plan was to wait until after the baby was born. We would have a few months just the two of us. No barking, no messes, no walks, no kibble. But it was also a few months of no cuddles, no pets, no wagging tails. It was no fun.

Also, I really don't have that much going on right now. This is the season where I have extra time for training and what not. It certainly won't be after the baby comes!

So were we crazy to get a new pup 6 months before the baby arrives? Absolutely! But it was also crazy love at first sight!

May I introduce you to Birdie:

Here she is when we first got her at 2 months old. I mean, how were we NOT going to adopt her? I would've gotten 10 of her (Bridesmaids style). But fortunately for our sanity, there was only one Birdie!

As cute as she was and is, I certainly had forgotten how much work puppies are! There's the complete lack of potty training, the chewing, the crying at night, and when you are already slow thanks to the human growing inside of you, it can be a lot to try and keep up with a little fluff of a tornado.

Thanks goodness she was so cute!

And is doesn't hurt that she was pocket-sized and loved to cuddle with anything with a heartbeat. So here we are 2 months later totally in love with this little elf.

And let me just say that in no way does she replace Walton. We still think about our sweet guy all the time and often remark how much we would like to see him playing with Birdie.

Also, let me get on my soapbox for a moment for pet adoption. We found Birdie through a fabulous organization called Pup Squad which works tirelessly to rescue puppies and mama dogs from the streets and find them homes.

Please please please please, if you are thinking about getting a dog, consider rescuing one. Birdie's litter was abandoned in a cardboard box when they were 6 weeks old.
If it hadn't been for the great folks at pup squad, it's pretty likely they wouldn't have survived and we'd have never met our little girl.

Everyone wins when you adopt! Click here for more info on Pup Squad.

And not to say that it's all been a joy. There are a few times I've wondered if we were sniffing glue when we decided to get her, like when she decided to redecorate the house while we were out:

She was so proud of herself when we got back, I didn't have the heart to yell at her. Besides, good training for messy children, right?

But other than a few messes and sleepless nights of pitiful howling coming from her kennel, we've all enjoyed being a family of 3 again and can't wait to baby to get in on the action! I mean, is there anything better than puppies and babies?!