Puppy Parenting

The last 48 hours have been consumed with becoming reoriented with the role of puppy parent. In many ways this go-round is much more enjoyable than the last time.

When we got Haley 6 1/5 years ago, she was our 'first child.' We researched labs for months. We handpicked her parents from a breeder several states away. We waited months for her to be conceived, then months more for her to be whelped. We requested her based on her lineage, temperament and gender. She arrived via the cargo hold at the Atlanta Airport and my husband and I were giddy as we waited for her to be brought out. She was planned, purchased and joyfully anticipated.

Within a month of her arrival I conceived the triplets. (Those nurturing instincts must have jump started my womb!) Because I went on bed rest at 23 weeks, Haley's days as 'our baby' were short-lived. Nevertheless, I have hours of videotape of her and precious pictures of our joyful faces as we reveled in a degree of first time parenthood with her.

Fast forward to this week...the newest canine to join our family came about in a much different way. Within a minute and a half of discovering that our cat, Oreo, had been killed I impulsively offered the children a trip to the pound. It wasn't my desire to replace her as much as my desire to replace our children's sadness with joy.

We went in for a kitten and left with an energetic puppy. Unlike our previous experience acquiring a dog, this was a spontaneously rescued puppy of unknown heritage. Yet, the joy in our family matched that my husband and I experienced that Fall night in 2003--only this time it was accompanied by a chorus of 5 year old giggles and squeals.

We were so unprepared this time that we had to hastily stop at WalMart on our way home from the pound to pick up food, a crate, toys and a collar. Bandit was certainly not planned for or anticipated. Bandit is, however, already dearly loved.
The squeals, smiles and giggles haven't yet subsided. This is a GREAT age to adopt a puppy. The children are really into the whole experience--including watching a video on how to train and care for our little furball.

Our unplanned Bandit has been such a gift to our family already. Yes, it requires some adjustment to our schedule. I am in full crate training mode. But much like a 5th child, I am enjoying things more. I have a different perspective on things I was previously neurotic about, only to discover their lack of importance. My uterus is doing back flips over having something small and cuddly to nurture...especially during the day when my house is a wee bit too quiet.
And my R, Mr. Responsibility, is absolutely reveling in helping me look after Bandit. His attitude seems gentler and kinder. Bandit seems to be meeting a need I didn't quite know how to put my finger on in him. K enjoys inventing new games for the puppy and P cannot wait to start teaching Bandit tricks.

Bandit's biggest surprise for our family came to light today during our visit to the veteranarian. It seems HE is actually a SHE. It seems painfully obvious now that the children have grown comfortable carrying HER around like this...

In my defense, the pound told me she was a boy and I just never went back to examine her nether regions. She is fluffy and low to the ground--and I respect others' privacy. :-)

We have contemplated a name change: Bandita, Bonnie (a la Bonnie & Clyde)...but I think Bandit is going to stick! Her name will always serve as a reminder of the delight of letting go and the joy of surprises.