The last month or so has been a challenge, to say the least. There are reasons I could list (and that list would go on for a while I assure you), but I'll mention only one here today - bringing a new puppy home.
Penny has been a challenge.
She would pee and poop on the floor without hesitation. She never ever tells us when she has to go outside, so we just take her every hour when we are home.
She also would cry all night long. I even went to the store to buy earplugs to muffle the sound. I had picked out a pair when Brett said another pair would be stronger and work better. Being sleep deprived, I believed him bought the more expensive pair of earplugs. Of course, they said filtered on them, so they let some sound through. They were not effective.
She also gets aggressive about bones and toys and has bitten every single one of my dogs. They have all bled, including her. The smallest and oldest dog, Baxter, is taking the longest to adjust because he clearly cannot fight back. He still shakes every time he is near her.
So after all these challenges, why in the heck would I title this post "One Good Thing"?
Because in the anxiety and depression-filled nightmare my life has become, I have fallen head over heels for our new dog. Outside of her problems, she is the snuggliest dog I have ever owned. She follows me around and loves attention, which I am happy to give her. She is also adorable, playing with Moose, our other large dog, and trying to get his attention. I cannot help but giggle when she paws at his face in attempt to make him come play with her. Her enthusiasm is contagious.
Also, after a mere month, we rarely have accidents. She goes into her crate without a struggle, and the aggressive behavior is less often. We now know the triggers to avoid, and I've learned the magic power that is the spray bottle. Seriously, it's been revolutionary for her and for Moose. One spray and presto chango! She still whines during the night a bit, but I hope that will stop one of these days. I understand she wants to sleep with us and the rest of the dogs, but I am not ready for that and neither is she.
Penny makes me want to come home, and even though she can be a pain in the ass, I love her dearly and could never imagine surrendering her to a shelter or letting her go. She is by far the best-behaved puppy I have seen, and I have seen my fair share, which makes me look forward to having her hopefully for a very long time. She turns one this month, just before Christmas. She is the best gift I have been given, and she is helping mend the pain of infertility. The struggle that dominates my current existence.
The house is full of energy and less quiet; I need that now during the holidays where it seems everyone is spending time with one another: family and friends. Yet, my families are far away. Friends are few, and my favorite neighbors just moved away. I do miss seeing them across the street. Now it looks cold and empty. Nevertheless, Brett and I try to keep the holiday cheer going just the two of us, but as I have said, I've been struggling lately, and I imagine I am putting a damper on the whole Christmas spirit. No one likes to be around the mentally ill person, and I don't blame them. We can definitely be difficult....and did I mention depressing?
So in all of this, my dogs have been my touchstone that gives me comfort and love. They wouldn't be possible without my husband because let's face it. He takes care of them mostly while I lay about on the couch or in bed. Nothing is better than the love and snuggle of a cute, fluffy shelter dog.
Penny has been a challenge.
She would pee and poop on the floor without hesitation. She never ever tells us when she has to go outside, so we just take her every hour when we are home.
She also would cry all night long. I even went to the store to buy earplugs to muffle the sound. I had picked out a pair when Brett said another pair would be stronger and work better. Being sleep deprived, I believed him bought the more expensive pair of earplugs. Of course, they said filtered on them, so they let some sound through. They were not effective.
She also gets aggressive about bones and toys and has bitten every single one of my dogs. They have all bled, including her. The smallest and oldest dog, Baxter, is taking the longest to adjust because he clearly cannot fight back. He still shakes every time he is near her.
So after all these challenges, why in the heck would I title this post "One Good Thing"?
Because in the anxiety and depression-filled nightmare my life has become, I have fallen head over heels for our new dog. Outside of her problems, she is the snuggliest dog I have ever owned. She follows me around and loves attention, which I am happy to give her. She is also adorable, playing with Moose, our other large dog, and trying to get his attention. I cannot help but giggle when she paws at his face in attempt to make him come play with her. Her enthusiasm is contagious.
Also, after a mere month, we rarely have accidents. She goes into her crate without a struggle, and the aggressive behavior is less often. We now know the triggers to avoid, and I've learned the magic power that is the spray bottle. Seriously, it's been revolutionary for her and for Moose. One spray and presto chango! She still whines during the night a bit, but I hope that will stop one of these days. I understand she wants to sleep with us and the rest of the dogs, but I am not ready for that and neither is she.
Penny makes me want to come home, and even though she can be a pain in the ass, I love her dearly and could never imagine surrendering her to a shelter or letting her go. She is by far the best-behaved puppy I have seen, and I have seen my fair share, which makes me look forward to having her hopefully for a very long time. She turns one this month, just before Christmas. She is the best gift I have been given, and she is helping mend the pain of infertility. The struggle that dominates my current existence.
The house is full of energy and less quiet; I need that now during the holidays where it seems everyone is spending time with one another: family and friends. Yet, my families are far away. Friends are few, and my favorite neighbors just moved away. I do miss seeing them across the street. Now it looks cold and empty. Nevertheless, Brett and I try to keep the holiday cheer going just the two of us, but as I have said, I've been struggling lately, and I imagine I am putting a damper on the whole Christmas spirit. No one likes to be around the mentally ill person, and I don't blame them. We can definitely be difficult....and did I mention depressing?
So in all of this, my dogs have been my touchstone that gives me comfort and love. They wouldn't be possible without my husband because let's face it. He takes care of them mostly while I lay about on the couch or in bed. Nothing is better than the love and snuggle of a cute, fluffy shelter dog.
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