A Puppy For Christmas

Ben and I had the hair brained idea to get our boys a puppy for Christmas. So about a month ago we started searching for one. Oddly enough, it's tough to find that free puppy in a box. We just didn't want to spend $500-1000 for a pure bred--free mixed puppy (aka mutt) sounded much better to us! We found out several unexpected things while looking for a free puppy in the city: first, having an "outdoor" dog is strongly frowned upon. I was even told by one woman that having your dog be outside without you is cruel. Yep. A dog (who has fur none-the-less) would rather be inside in a small crate instead of running on our half acre back yard while I am away doing errands. Second, people who have those free mixed blood puppies are frowned upon by the purebred dog community and are called "back yard breeders." So, basically what this meant was the we had to find a dog from an adoption agency in the city, and Ben needed to do the paperwork and answer the questions, because I wouldn't be able to hide an exasperated face when answering that indoor/outdoor dog question.

So finally, after consistently combing the web, we found the cutest puppies that were a mix of short-haired pointer and something else (maybe cowdog? Jack Russell Terrier?), and Ben went to see them at lunch to pick us out one. I told him to find the calmest one--and he found our Rosey. She was the only female left and was sitting off to the side as her brothers wrestled each other. A perfect fit.

The morning we gave the boys Rosey, we had presents wrapped under the tree for them and told them that we would be opening an early Christmas present that night. Seth and Sam very sweetly ran off to make us presents so that we would have something under the tree as well. That night we had them first open a box each with toys, food bowls and a leash. We figured this would lead them to assume puppy. Nope. They thought that they were all just for pretending and very sweetly acted thankful (and a bit perplexed). Not even telling them to next open a big box led them to think "puppy." In the big box we put a note saying "Your real present is in the garage." They still were left wondering, until we had them listen, and they heard her barking. They ran off to the garage, yelling, "It's a dog, it's a dog!"

Seth and Sam were thrilled, but nothing could have prepared us for Joshy's excitement. He squealed and screamed and was SO happy with Rosey. Poor pups doesn't have many moments without Josh trying to give her a toy or sitting with her in her doggy bed. The cute thing is, because Josh is closer to her size, Rosey just loves and follows him around. It's adorable. I call them my two puppies.

So the puppy for Christmas has had some really sweet moments. But there has been the not-so-rosie side of Rosey. And if you asked me if we'd do it again for Christmas, I'd say a definite "no." Cute concept, hard execution. Trust me, get a summer puppy for your kids. Then, (and don't tell the city folks), at night you can have it outside and it can pee wherever it wants. Even I am not "cruel" enough to have a little two month old puppy who has short hair sleep outside in 30 degree weather. So Rosey is currently an inside dog, which means we are potty training, which means every 2-3 hours at night I have to get up with her to take her potty. Yes, just like having a newborn. Except, newborns wear diapers, therefore don't pee and poop on your floor. Also, what else does Christmas bring? Besides cold weather and rain for potty training? Traveling. Busyness. Lots of company. Throw a puppy into the mix with your other small children and life is MUCH harder.

But, overall, we are happy to finally have a dog. We're excited for the responsibility for the boys and for a companion for them as they grow up. She is quite adorable too. Ready for a plethora of puppy pictures? Here's our Christmas puppy, Rosey:

 Can you handle that patch over her eye? So cute!

 No, Joshy, that is not YOUR bed

 I love S & S's smiles in this one!

 Seth left, Sam right

 Trying to teach Josh to pet softly

 Josh is thrilled with all these new toys

 Sweet Sammy 

 She's a cuddler!

 How cute is this? She's always trying to get into Josh's lap when he sits down.

 Even the cousins got to see Rosey (Edmund and Clara pictured). This was before Rosey barked at Edmund every time she saw him (she thinks those little boys are her fellow puppies and always wants to play), thus making Edmund petrified of little Rosey. Poor guy starting screaming every time he saw her. I hope it doesn't scar him for life!

 Sammy (I'm realizing I got more pictures of Sam than Seth, oops)

So that's our sweet Rosey. May she get night time and potty trained so that our days are Rosier!