Monday, January 27, 2020

Pregnant pause

In the microcosm of life that is a having a dog, I view this week as gestation. Anticipation, uninterrupted nights, unchewed anything, clean floors, time to sleep in (although that's not my bag) or sit and relax. There will always be a Jackson-shaped hole in my heart, but I've enjoyed the growing realization that I don't need to put the toilet seat down (although he was physically unable to drink from it – and drip on the seat – after the arthritis got to him), I don't need to shut doors to block access to trash cans, I can spend long hours away from home without concern or guilt. Last night I relished snuggling in my own bed again after three nights away while wondering how hard the pup's transition from canine pack to only dog will be. I also wonder if the transition to a very different breed will be difficult for me....

There will be a cute infant stage (puppy breath!!!), rapidly followed by some 'terrible toddler' times, I'm sure. Then, heaven help me, I will have a second teenager in the house(!) – for a short period. I'm thinking that by the time my son leaves for college, our new dog will be a happy distraction and indispensable companion.

It has been so long since we had a small(er) dog (except for that year of fostering Dicey); we no longer have appropriately sized collar, dishes, or jackets. So today after work I stopped by the local shelter's thrift store to look for supplies. I found a brand new leash and matching wee adjustable collar in a very girly color; a bigger adjustable soft harness, an even bigger no-pull harness, and a set of small, removable stainless steel dishes in an elevated holder; all for $15 that goes to a very good cause. I also got permission from my boss to take pup to work with me for at least the first couple of weeks so I can take her out to potty as needed and not leave her home alone. As soon as I pick up some of the puppy food she's on, we'll be as ready as we'll ever be. Good thing, because bright and early Sunday morning our friends getting her littermate are picking me up so we can bring our girls home.

Oh, and we need a name. I've come up with several I like, but....

That's it for now from puppy-on-the-brain . . .

7 comments:

M.K. said...

Maybe it will help her adjustment to the move, to have her sister with a friend, and they can visit and play sometimes? Sounds like you are very ready.

Mama Pea said...

You are one ready new puppy mama and I can even hear/read the excitement you're feeling through this post. Eager to learn the name you've chosen. (The female name in our family that was traditionally passed down to the first female child of the new generation was Euphemia. I'm so thankful my mom broke tradition and refused to saddle me with it! Just thought I'd mention this in case you want to use it for your new girl. Hee-hee-hee.)

Jeanne said...

Oh, wow! I'm so excited for you! Sunday seems a long way off, though.

As far as her name goes, she won't give a hoot what you call her, as long as you love her and feed her, etc. It's so different from humans, who are given terrible names, as my mother and I were.

Have a great day!

Michelle said...

M.K., I definitely think she love any interactions with her sister and we do plan to get them together often, but oh, those nights alone will be hard!

Oh my goodness, Mama Pea; what a name to (NOT) be saddled with! Rick did finally (tentatively) agree to one last night, so I think we're ready but for the puppy food.

Jeanne, she just turned six weeks old yesterday; I wouldn't want to bring her home before Sunday. And you're right; she won't care what we call her, but I want something that rolls off the tongue easily, that won't offend any humans I know with the same name, and that hopefully suits her breed and personality. Usually I LOVE to name things, but Stella and now this pup got their handles through the good suggestions of different friends!

Retired Knitter said...

Michelle, you probably shouldn't begin your posts with the word Pregnant! Hahaha! You stopped my heart. Once you get through these teen years you won't want to EVER do that again. hahaha!

Michelle said...

Elaine, I'm LONG past that, being well into menopause!

Karla Garrison said...

This is awwesome