We have always known we were going to get a dog. Eventually. Jeff and I both grew up with dogs, and we both loved them. In fact, we got fairly close to getting a dog once when we lived in Columbus. We were thinking of getting a Cairn Terrier (like Toto in Wizard of Oz) or an Australian Terrier. But just as we were getting serious, I had Allie, and I was suddenly overwhelmed with the fact that I was going to have to take care of Damon, a newborn, AND a dog. So we didn't get one.
We did a lot of research, though, and had many discussions about what dog would be right for us. We really wanted a bulldog, but they have lots of health problems. We liked french bulldogs, too, but they also have a few health problems. So we did nothing.
Jeff's parents had a dog named Ricky who died a couple years ago. Kyla told us one day that she was glad she could see Ricky again in heaven. And that started us both thinking. The kids were getting older and deserved to have a dog. And we were starting to get to a place in our lives where it might be manageable. And so we started looking again.
We quickly realized that in northern Utah, we needed to have an indoor dog. It's just too cold outside in the winter to force a dog to live outdoors. And that meant we needed to have a dog that didn't shed. I have been to homes where dog hair is everywhere and I just couldn't have that be my home. We thought about a shitzu, but they aren't always good with kids. And then our neighbors got a mini schnauzer and we fell in love with her.
They may not be the most adorable dogs in the world, but they only get to be about 15 pounds, they don't shed, they are super smart and they are great with kids. And so we started really considering it. We also considered a Havanese, but they are 3-4 times the price and really aren't any cuter. So. Decision made.
The breeder in Taylorsville had another litter just about ready to go. And we went. And we picked one. And now she is ours.
Aside from that funky haircut (really? That's supposed to be a good look?), we have had very few complaints. We picked her up on Monday night and she has been such a fun little pup. She's had a few accidents in the house, but most of the time she does her business outside. She is playful and fun, but can also spend hours a day being completely mellow, almost like a lap dog.
Naming her was quite the process. Jeff and I should have followed our pattern for naming kids, and just picked one. But we gave everyone a vote, and no one could agree. Names that were considered were: Shadow, Midnight, Olive, Oreo and Dottie. We thought we had agreed on Oreo, but a three-syllable name is often hard to say. And so someone suggested Bexley. That has always been a name I loved ever since we lived in Columbus, but I just couldn't see my daughter (Allie) as a Bexley. But Bex for a dog sounded good. And the kids went for it!
McKay has been a little needy. He's been sick, but I think he's also been a little jealous of the attention I have been giving to the dog. He wouldn't be in this pic without me, crazy kid.
We are crate training her, so she sleeps in a crate at night and nap time, and I put her in every time we leave the house. She doesn't love it, and often cries, but never very long. She wakes up early (5 or 6 am) and I have been taking her out to go potty and putting her back in. That hopefully will change as she gets older and gets used to our schedule.
I have heard that having a puppy is like having a newborn, and I can honestly say it's not that bad. Yes, it's more work, and yes it's a little inconvenient at times. But who could ever leave a newborn in a crate all night long? And the kids love her. Especially Kyla and Carter. Kyla takes care of her all morning long and Carter got up with her this morning at 6:00 to play.
This was last night when Carter asked her if she wanted to dance. She didn't, but she's a good sport. So far, so good. Hopefully we made the right choice and she will be a great addition to our family!
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