We got a puppy!!!
Dan got a dog when he was in 7th grade - Parker (who we nicknamed Truffie). He came to live with us in 2000 and lived until 2006. He was a great dog - so sweet, a mutt and great with our kids. When he died, our kids begged us to get another dog. I claimed that we needed everyone potty trained before we got another dog (Kylie was just 6 months old when he died). Then we moved overseas and Dan and I said that when we got back to America, we would talk about getting a dog. Jack has written persuasive letters in school and they are ALWAYS asking if we can get a dog :) Our kids would ask every week or so - and Dan had said that we needed to get through our trips to Malone and the Beach before we discussed it.
I had been looking at local shelters online and kept just seeing either older dogs (8+ years old) or some sort of Pit Bull mix dogs. We knew we wanted a smaller dog (not tiny, so we didn't step on it and kill it - but not huge since we live in a townhouse). We wanted a dog that is good with kids and families. We just weren't sure what kind of dog would be perfect for us.
Then, I looked on Craigslist and saw this picture:
This little scruffy pup!
He was a 15 week old cockapoo puppy!
I wrote the current owner, asked if he was still available, asked about him and why they weren't keeping him. The owner was a young guy who had just gotten married a year ago, joined the army, got stationed in DC, moved here and had a baby 10 months ago. They adopted Beau (whom they called Captain) one week before and realized quickly that they couldn't handle a 10 month old and a puppy ;)
Beau was super sweet with the 10 month old and loved her, but she did not like him - and screamed every time he took one of her toys. So, thankfully, they decided they needed to give him to another family!
We went and met him on a Monday night - Kylie was the first to hold him and he peed all over her shirt and pants. Then he was so scared, that he tried to run away from us. At this point, I was totally getting worried. I don't like dogs that get scared - I'm nervous about what they will do. Dan encouraged me to hold Beau and I sat with him on my lap and stroked him...then Dan took a turn and Jack and Megan. He settled down quickly and snuggled in with us, although was still nervous. We learned about him - got his medical papers - and all the things he came with (because we didn't own a single thing!)! The previous owner gave us a crate, a huge bag of dog food, shampoo, a hedgehog stuffed animal, nail clippers, a brush, harness and leash! And we were off - as a family of 6!
He did great settling into our family and was fine about an hour later with us :)
This is his picture from when he was 6 weeks old - so sweet!
We stopped by Grammy and Grandad's to met them and took him home!
He loves snuggling us - until he gets too hot, then he goes and lies down on the fireplace hearth.
Jack loves to snuggle him.
Beau and Dan sound asleep!
Kiddos buying his new dog tag with his name on it!
Watching me from inside
And watching over the front of our house
We normally volunteer at the 9am service for church and then attend the 11am service. Since getting Beau, we volunteer at the 9am service and then either Dan or I head home to take him out of his crate and bring him back in the car to pick up the other and kiddos - Kylie went with Dan the first Sunday and fell sound asleep with him :)
We've taken him to a puppy play class where he got to play with other puppies (which he loves)!
Sandie got him this fun ring that he loves to fetch and chew on!
We've taken him to a local farm to play and see animals and kiddos - he did great!
And we thought he looked like the goat in the background, so we got his picture taken with it!
He likes to snuggle on the sofa with anyone who will snuggle him
He sleeps in our bed near our feet - or on Megan's bed - most of the night like this on his back :)
We've taken him on big walks near our library!
He took his first trip to Mom Mom and Pappy's and slept the whole way - and was a good boy for them while they watched him and our kids so Dan and I could get away!
Beau and Megan
His favorite place when he gets hot :)
Although we love his scruffy look - he needed a haircut - so Dan did it and did a great job! Beau did a great job, too - although wasn't a big fan. Kylie got to give him a little tasted of peanut butter as a treat since he was being such a good boy!
