Emily is HERE!

We're excited to announce the newest addition to our household: A Golden Retriever named Emily. It seemed as if she picked us rather than us picking her. As many of you already know, Logan and I went to see another Golden puppy a couple weeks ago. Other than Brad pretty much telling me he would divorce me if I followed through, there was just something about the dog that didn't feel right. It didn't feel like "our" dog. So, with two crying kids and an upset breeder (since I didn't take the dog he held for me), I backed out of his driveway. For a few days, I pouted. I was mad at Brad for his lack of support. Truly, all I'm trying to do is help Logan. And I realized upon leaving that maybe it was just as much me as it was Logan that wanted a dog. So, I steered clear of any internet searches or newspaper ads. I just left well enough alone.

Well, as soon as I got over my tantrum, I went back to checking things out. Lo and behold there was another ad in the paper featuring Golden pups who were younger, certified and both parents were Therapy Dogs...Something I wanted for Logan. So, I contacted the breeder and fell in love with her. It just felt right...We met her last weekend and she had traveled with the entire litter, so we could see which pup had the best chemistry with Logan. Now that's a fabulous breeder!!! As it turns out, Emily, seemed to really click with Logan and wanted to be with him and he with her. As we pulled in and saw all the puppies, Logan immediately picked her out and said, "I hope it's that one" and it was! It was magical watching the two of them interact: Dog and Boy. She nestled right into his arms and the rest is history. She's very mellow and fitting into our family quite. Of course it hasn't been without it's quirks....

Friends of mine have asked that I blog my puppy experience. They, too, are considering adding one to their brood and believe my overall time line of events will help them plan best for their own. I have lots of experience with dogs. Not only did I grow up with numerous ones in our house at one time, but Emily is #4 for us in our 12 years of marriage.

So, here goes:

Week 1, Day 1:
Puppy arrives! She's so sweet and mellow, sleeping all the time. If only we realized a week ago that this is what's considered the "honeymoon period". Night time rolls around and we wonder what in the world to do with her come bed time. We have a crate, but experience tells me it's going to be one LONG, LOUD night in the crate. Plus, our intent with Emily is to have her sleep with Logan. We start out the night with Phoebe and Brad in our bed, London in her own bed, Logan, Emily, and I in Logan's bed. We ended the night with Logan in his bed, London in her bed, Brad and Phoebe in our bed, and Emily and I on the couch. She was whiny and restless. She was unsure of her surroundings and deeply missed her litter mates and mother. I was doing my best to make it up to her.

Week 1, Day 2:
Time does march on, even when a new puppy arrives home! I'm exhausted on day 2--I was up all night long with Emily. And apparently her schedule coincides with the sun because while I was hoping she was as tired as me and we were going to sleep in, she wanted to rise and shine with sun at 6 AM. So, we're up and I do the routine of letting her outside to her business and feeding her. Did I mention that we were outside A LOT during the middle of the night as well? Kinda creepy with howling coyotes in the distance....

As the day goes on, I've made numerous attempts to get in the shower to no avail. So, as a last resort, I decide this will be a great way to get her used to her crate since I'm home and it's only for a half hour tops. As soon as I place her in the crate, she spreads her legs in optimal refusal--imitating a cat going into water. With a little harmless force, I get her in and securing shut the door. She's howling, crying, barking the whole time. In fact, it's so loud I can hear here 2 floors up while I'm showering. But I must admit, I don't think my shower has EVER felt so good. It was like I entered a spa. I took a little longer than usual..Again, firmly believing this was a "good thing" for Emily. I head down to get her out of her crate, she is still barking, and I smell something awful. Yep, you've guessed it. Not only did she soil her crate pan, but she managed to roll in it. Ugh!!! So, now it's bath time.

Night #2 isn't much better. All 3 of us are again in Logan's bed, Emily is more restless than ever. I believe we had a total of 3 trips outside in the middle of the night. I suppose I could ignore it and force her, but I really don't want her to get used to soiling her crate, bed, nor my house, so I'm really accommodating her!!!

Week 1, Day 3:
We're falling into a routine and things seem better. She's still up at the crack of dawn and desperately needs about 3 walks per day, but little by little, she's warming up and showing her true colors!

Night #3, both dogs are up at 3:30 for good. Ugh!

Week 1, Day 4:
It's getting a little better. We're falling into sync with one another, I'm learning her signals. She's REALLY warming up now, so much so that no couch, table leg, or dog is safe. She's chewing everything. So, between the potty watch and chewing watch, I'm getting NOTHING done! Laundry is piling up, bathroom garbages are overflowing, dishwasher needs emptying, but I can't turn myself away from watching the dog.

Night #4 is better because I have Book Club, which forced Logan to take charge and he did wonderfully! They slept together and have been great ever since...He's doing a great job. Logan is making a solid effort to take care of his dog as he wants her to continue to be bonded with him versus me. He's been walking her (but it's not nearly enough)sleeping with her and letting her outside at the crack of dawn when she wakes. I'm impressed. Of course, it's only been a week, so I expect the newness to wear off at any given moment.

Week 1, Day 5:
The crate training has finally "clicked" with her. We're feeding her on a schedule too, so it's all falling into place. She's sleeping good at night and enjoying her kennel for short stints while we're away during the day.

Tune in for further updates!!!!