We are on day 7 of puppy ownership. While there are people who say that getting a new puppy is akin to having a newborn, and I may have uttered those words myself on day 1 or 2, I don't really think that is the case. Maybe it is marginally similar during those first few days, but that phase passes MUCH more quickly than it does with a human baby! And thanks GD for that! I was none too fond of the sleep deprivation phase of parenthood with both my kids as babies, and thus am SO glad that so far at least, it hasn't been too bad. We had one night of significant whining where we put the dog in her crate at bedtime and she wasn't happy about it. But as a mom who had to Ferberize two babies and was much happier for it, this was small potatoes. Other than that, yeah, there's some chewing of things she shouldn't and some peeing on the floor as we try to housebreak her, but really, she has been a wonderful addition to our family so far.

Hopefully this optimistic view will continue. I'm sure there will be friends who will scoff and say "you ain't seen nothin' yet" and that is probably true. But at least for now, I'm no longer second guessing whether getting a puppy was a good idea. The kids absolutely love her, maybe too much. I just hope that their glee to be around her doesn't make her into a neurotic, hyper dog. We try to keep them calm when it is obvious the puppy has had enough....but that can be a challenge.

Tomorrow we have a puppy trainer coming to our house for a session of "Puppy Preschool". We'll see how it goes. When I spoke to the guy on the phone, he suggested I have her on her leash at all times and take her all around the house with me. He said I'd notice when she needed to go out and be able to rush her outside. Yeah...not really practical. Plus...her accidents happen way to fast for me to notice much of anything. So for now, we've put up a baby gate on the entrance to our kitchen and she is in there when we are home, and in her crate when we are not. She has been for lots of walks, but not too far since she hasn't had her shots yet. That will happen next week. Then, watch out. Here comes Snickers!