The Patterson family has welcomed a new member into our home. We are excited to have a new puppy to add to our mix of furry friends. And although we are adjusting to our newest family member, he has certainly kept us on our toes for the last two weeks.
The new addition first began as an idea, well...more like plea from our daughter Elsie. The idea of welcoming a new puppy to our home instantly popped into her head after she spent a few days at a livestock show, where a family friend brought their new puppy along for the ride. She spent those few days herding her pig around and carrying a new puppy on her hip during her free time.
When we arrived back home after the livestock show, Elsie first went to work on my husband Jason and me with the typical “at your feet begging.” We stood firm on our decision not to entertain the idea of bringing another pet into our home. Our cat is very territorial, and we totally put all the blame on him.
But the next morning when Jason entered his truck to head off to work, Elsie left about six sheets of paper taped to his steering wheel. Those papers were filled with pleas, drawings of us having fun with a new puppy, promises of the responsibilities she would follow through on. And one sheet of paper even said, “I don’t care what it looks like or what kind. I will love it.”
The planets must have been aligned for Elsie’s campaign because that same day at his work, Jason was asked by a co-worker if we would be interested in a free puppy.
Jason was hooked. So then, the text messages began pouring into my phone with Jason even on the bandwagon begging me to welcome a new puppy into our home. I was at a friend’s house, enjoying our “Netflix Wednesday” ritual, and I must have been really eager to start our new series. Somewhere in the mix, I texted back...ok.
I regreted that text because the next morning, both Jason and Elsie reminded me that I agreed to a new puppy. I couldn’t go back on my word, so I gave both of them permission to get the ball rolling on welcoming a new addition.
Flash forward a few weeks, and the Patterson home was opened up to our new furry friend. He is only about seven weeks old, and he already weighs close to ten pounds. Needless to say, he is going to be a large dog when he gets older. But for now, he is a furball with a cute face and that familiar puppy breath.
Jason wanted to name the new pooch Rocky. But Elsie vetoed that suggestion and went with Buddy.
I forget what it was like having a puppy in our home. Our beloved dog Dede, who passed away last year, came to us as a stray. And she was already an adult. So, a new puppy was completely foreign to us as a family.
I have to say, a new puppy is just like having a newborn. His whimpers and howls seem to vibrate the whole house around 3 a.m. every morning. We are constantly cleaning up after him as we embark on the housetraining model. We are always snatching something out of his mouth that he picked up off the floor. He has vet appointments. He demands constant attention. And he insists on snuggling up near your chest so he can hear your heartbeat when he is resting.
It is an adjustment, but it is worth it. Having him as a newest family member truly has been a blessing. And it just feels right for our family home to have a dog roaming its floors.
Our cat would argue with you. He constantly gives Buddy his “look of murder,” as he gazes at him from under the living room coffee table. And he has already hissed and took a few swats. But I think he is slowly adjusting as well to having a puppy around.
I hope and pray that Buddy will have a lot of memories in store for his life as he gets older along with us. Having his bowl next to the fridge makes me smile whenever I see it. Feeling his warm nose on my feet as we relax in the recliner is heartwarming. Watching him run with the kids outside in the yard is the best entertainment. And even watching our cat tease him by walking by his evening crate freely has become a household joke.
We are tripping over dog bones and ropes now. Our trips are being planned with what accomodations welcome pets. I grab an extra bag of treats when I head to the grocery store. And we all run straight to his crate everyday after school and work to find him with his tail wagging, already waiting on us.
It has only been a few weeks, but he is a loyal friend...everything a good dog is supposed to be.
He came into our home without a price tag, but he brought us a wealth of happiness.
Like the saying goes, “money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail.”
