Bandit

Happy Valentine's Day to us and Happy Birthday Taylor. Our son has been begging for a new dog for quite some time and we have been resisting because we couldn't imagine having one more thing to take care of. We feel Taylor is old enough now that he can participate and help out at the same time learn a little responsibility and what it means to have someone depend on you. Then Taylor and I watched "Marley and Me" and of course fell in love with the "worst dog in the world." So yesterday I sent Rob to find our Marley and I think he succeeded. I wasn't sure including the kids would be a good idea but with grandparents out of town it was hard to leave them behind. Rob went to an adoptathon held by "Helping Hands" and that is where we found Bandit our German sheppard/Lab mix. Rob got there first and said that no one was putting Bandit down and there wasn't a chance in you know what we were getting our hands on him. Rob started looking at some black lab puppies that were pretty rambunctious (is that a word?). When I got there I spotted Bandit first. This young college student was holding him so I put on my big girl pants and said we were interested and would like to hold him and play with him for a while if she was not going to adopt. Of course she said she couldn't have a puppy in her apartment so that's when I stepped in and said my son really wants a puppy for his birthday. Bandit was very calm despite all the activity around him, people picking dogs up, dogs whining, puppies running around. He just wanted to be held. I think Rob and I knew immedietly that he was the one but we wanted Taylor to feel that way as well. It didn't take much to convince Taylor that this fluffy friend was our new family member he was smitten. While waiting to finish the paperwork I was holding Bandit whose little heart was beating so fast just like mine. I was very nervous and excited at the same time. Having a puppy is alot of work and it takes the nerves of steel to stay consistent with training.

The first night was pretty great, one accident and many successful trips to potty outside, a bath, new crate and dog toys to keep him out of trouble. Just like with a new baby Rob and I took turns getting up with him when he was whining, taking him out in the 30 degree weather to potty and laying on the floor by his crate until he fell asleep. I'm a little tired this morning but very happy with our new friend. I've always been a dog lover and have missed having one in my life.

I think it will be good for everyone. The kids have to keep there toys off the floor so Bandit doesn't eat them which might require emergency surgery and therefore I'm not nagging all the time about picking up there toys. Yeah!!!

By the way, I've had many people tell me they are following my blog but I don't see them as followers?