Live and Learn

We gave the doggie back to the shelter today. It was a family decision that we all agreed was best. He was a nipper, and especially to Savannah. I had her on my lap last night to read to her, and he came over and nipped and pushed at her until he was in my lap and she was out. We thought maybe if I just took Savannah to another part of the house when we cuddled, it would be okay for him, but today she was just standing in the kitchen minding her own business and he ran over and nipped at her feet. She was scared of him and we decided we didn't want to make her live with that fear every day. I called the shelter to ask if that behavior was something that could be trained out, but she said it was a major behavior issue that would probably take professional one-on-one help, if that even did it. I didn't want to risk Savannah's or anyone else's feelings of safety in our home for the sake of a dog we just met last week; so off he went with his little tail wagging. I feel really bad for giving him back, like I am irresponsible or something, but deep down I know it is the most responsible thing to do for my family. I am of the opinion that we shouldn't get any pets for a long time. Because I end up having to do a lot of care for them during the day, and Shonee ends up spending time in the evening with the pet instead of the kids. I guess I have a limited attention span, because it's kind of either/or for me. I don't have enough for kids and pets. Anyway, everyone is dealing with the departure pretty well. Montana was never very comfortable either. We all like being able to walk down the hall without climbing over a baby gate. We're supposed to revisit the topic next month as a family, but I know my answer is going to be NO for a long time. At least until a child is old enough to accept and perform all of the responsibilities, including yard duty, play, walks, and maybe vet bills.

Settling In

We have been in our new house for a week and we are struggling to find places for everything we have. It will all get put away eventually, but some things need shelving constructed before they have a home.

On Wednesday we bought a shelter puppy. He's a real nice dog. We named him Rudy because he's little but full of heart (like Sean Astin's character in the movie of the same name). He's a Terrier mix, mostly looks like a Cairn Terrier. He's decided he likes me best, so he follows me around and feels forlorn when I am gone (or so I'm told by the other members of the family). I think dogs are labeled as man's best friend because they insist on being that way. He's my shadow sometimes, much more so than any of my toddlers ever were. But we all love him, and he loves all of us. The kids have been waiting for about three years to get a dog, and now they all want to go on walks with him and he gets played with so much he is tuckered out and takes naps just to get a break from us. We are really getting settled for a long stay here, and we're thrilled with that prospect!