2 week PP: Made FINAL decision to get kids a puppy for Christmas. (We wavered back and forth MANY times.)
10 days PP: Don't really want to leave dog naming up to the kids - might end up with "Blacky" or "Ruffy" or "Spot." I decide to name the puppy Hurley. Allen is concerned kids won't be on board. I assure him all we have to do is tell them it is the name he came with and they will be fine.
8 days PP: Abby asks me why we can't get a dog right now. I tell her its just not the right time and give her a big hug. (And smile fiendishly.)
1 week PP: Went to Pet Country to buy Christmas puppy presents for the kids. Looked at collars, leashes, chew toys, and brushes. Did you know that German Shepherds require just about every brush in the pet store?
6 days PP: Feeling very nervous about having a puppy. I don't know what to do. I am told I cannot mess it up. We'll see.
5 days PP: Kids are chanting in the car on the way to school what type of dog they each want. I keep telling them, "Stop please! We are not getting a dog right now!" (Insert grin.)
2 days PP: Crafted a plan to surprise the kids with puppy. Allen will drive to Klamath Falls to pick him up.
1 day PP: Cannot wait to tell the kids. They will be so excited!
Puppy Arrives
Day 1: Puppy is revealed. Hurley is here! I think I am more excited (delusional) than the kids! Kids are having a hard time remembering his name. Harley, Herbie, and Pearly are used often. Put him in his pen to sleep. He whined a little. Abby is prepared to sleep beside him on the tile floor if needed. She is in love.
Day 2: Puppy cried all night. He misses him mom and siblings. He is LOUD. Also, apparently puppies as small as Hurley cannot "hold it" all night. Woke up to a puppy covered from head to tail in poop. Went through 2 rolls of paper towels and a half bottle of bleach. Puppy pads are dumb. They do not work. Hurley goes to them then pees next to them. Abby is grossed out by everything the puppy does. Hurley ate her homework. Literally. The puppy honeymoon is over. Yes, already.
Day 3: Puppy cried again all night. I think having a baby might have been easier then embarking on raising a puppy. I am so tired. Husband is a walking zombie. Kids are bouncing off the walls, because apparently, they can sleep through anything. Set a timer and took the puppy outside every 30 minutes. Went 10 hours without any pee or poop in the house. Thank you Pup-peroni!
Day 4: Hurley slept in garage. Slept all night. Hallelujah! Walked the puppy to the park. Very awesome. My house is a complete mess. The floors are super dirty and it is giving me anxiety. I prayed for God to give me patience and peace. He reminded me that the dirt will pass away but the love and memories that are in my home will last for this lifetime.
Day 5: Gave puppy his 3rd bath in 5 days. He figured out how to use the cat door. That is funny. He will be too big very soon, and will get stuck like Winnie the Pooh in Rabbit's house. Gage is a superstar dog owner. He has taken ownership of the puppy and takes him on walks and plays tug-o-war with him.
Day 6: Milo and Hurley played in the backyard for a couple hours today. They are getting along very well. The kids took Hurley in the front yard to play. They are frustrated that he won't follow them out of the grass. I tell them he is being a good puppy. Gage played flashlight tag with Hurley tonight.
