Wednesday, August 24, 2016

That Puppy Love


When I first decided that I wanted a dog, way back when we still lived in our second apartment, and weren't able to have one, I always knew it would be an undertaking. What I didn't know, that I wish I could go back and tell my past self? Getting a puppy is 10x the work of getting an older dog. I don't know that I'd go back and change our decision, because Luna is the cutest thing on the history of the planet, but man I'm learning a lot from this experience.

This is Ms. Luna Lovegood Nottingham. She's an American Bulldog and currently (looks at calendar) just about 14 weeks. Which means, that we've had for about 6 weeks and I am not lying at all when I say that time has completely flown by! This little girl grows like a weed. When we got her she was all roly poly and full of extra skin. Now, right before my eyes, I've gotten to see her transform into a strong and intelligent little miss.

It's been interesting to see how her capabilities change, even by the week. First we learned potty training, then sitting, then laying down, and the list goes on and on. I have such a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that she's so smart (and also completely stubborn) with her own little personality. Yes, she drives us completely batty at times. But the fact that we're her world, B and I, it makes me smile. Even when I'm kind of upset at her for doing something wrong, I love her to death.

What's funny is that I used to look at people with pets and wonder why they were always so intent on pampering them, and praising them. Well, I learned my lesson quickly. It's because there's this whole level of unconditional love there that is just intoxicating. Dogs are excited when they wake up. They're excited when you come home. They snuggle. They want to chase. They just want to lay their head on your lap and stare at you lovingly. What other entity in the world is that giving of their love? It makes me want to earn that, and so I sigh and put up with the accidents, and the teething, and the fussiness. She's worth it.

Truth be told, I think this whole process has been a great lesson for B and I. We've learned a lot about ourselves, our tolerance levels and how to factor another being into our daily schedule. It's also been a groan inducing, hilarious, romp through figuring out how to deal with Ms. Luna and all her quirks.

Puppies are not for the faint of heart, people. Not at all. But in my opinion? Luna is so worth it.