A Puppy Story

Because we were now (sort of) homeowners, Michael and I decided we couldn’t wait another day to get a new puppy.

Literally.

We closed on Friday, October 9th, and Saturday morning, we went to pick up our new puppy. Michael had found a woman who had rescued a litter of puppies, and Michael and I went to meet her to see if we would take one home with us. While we hadn’t made up our minds to bring one home with us, when we met Penelope, we knew she was the one for us.

Penelope is a Black Lab/Border Collie mix. Born August 12th, she and her littermates had ear infections and were covered in fleas when they were rescued. She was the smallest of her litter (which was one reason why we chose her), but she was also the sweetest. When we held her for the first time, she was so calm and affectionate, we just knew we had to add her to our little family. So we adopted her, bought her a crate and some food, and headed to our new home. Of course, having a new puppy has made settling in a bit difficult, but are so glad we got her.

Penelope (Penelope to me and Michael, Penny to her other family, and Sweet Pea when she is being unbelievable cute) quickly made herself at home with us. Everyone told us we were “in for it” because she would be smarter than we are. Luckily, she hasn’t formed any destructive habits, but she really is SO smart: she figured out how to open the screen door in about 30 seconds, and has already learned Sit, Down, Come, Go Potty, and Off. (I just wish babies were as easy to potty train. I mean, if a 3-month puppy can learn to hold it, why not a 3-month baby?)

Our Sweet Pea LOVES other dogs. Her best doggie friend is Marley, a 2-year-old Golden Retriever/Poodle mix. Despite being about 10 times as big as she is, they love to play chase and wrestle with each other. It is pretty hilarious. And seeing an 8-lb. puppy “dominate” a 70-lb. Goldendoodle is pretty side-splitting as well. Not to mention a wee bit inappropriate.

Some of Penelope’s favorite activities are chewing on her favorite toys:

playing fetch:

and learning new skills:

What she loves most, though, is to be snuggled and to have her tummy rubbed. And of course, she never chews on things she is not supposed to, like dirty socks, shoes, throw pillows, the carpet, or our “new” couch (to be fair, throwing a squeaky her way quickly redirects her taste for chewing into more appropriate channels). And while she is a delightful lap dog now, I’m afraid what is going to happen when she is 60 lbs. and still wanting to be carried around.

In the mean time, we are loving every minute of puppy parenthood. It has been teaching us important parenting skills, which we understand will transfer to people-parenting: getting up in the middle of the night (largely Michael’s duty, for which I am eternally grateful); having eyes in the back of our head; consistency; keeping our house puppy-proof (plastic bags and small objects are No-Nos for both puppies and babies, I understand); and, of course, bragging about her to complete strangers and showing pictures to anyone who will look.

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Bragonje for the delightful package. Penelope has LOVED her toys (especially the Almond Joy!). And thanks also to Andrea, for all the great toys and treats, and for letting us descend on you every weekend for doggie play dates!