The New Critter and My Role as Babysitter

I think I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that my husband attended a sportsman's fundraiser dinner. I think I also mentioned that as a result, and accompanied by some pretty heavy-duty begging from grandchildren, that we have a new critter living at the house now.

So, let me introduce you to Gus. He's a 10 week old yellow lab puppy. Now if I'm being totally honest, and I do try to be, I'll tell you that I didn't want a new dog. I lived through the whole puppy thing once with Ollie, but he was a little older and a LOT better behaved, but nobody really listened to my opinion. Ollie's not even that old yet. He's 8.....which makes him fairly close to my age in dog years, and I'm not quite ready to be put out to pasture. But my husband has been pondering about getting a new puppy for a while now, theoretically so Ollie can teach him stuff. (???) 

So I'm just putting it out there that I really wasn't on board with this whole thing. And neither is Ollie. 

Oh sure, all puppies are cute, and I can just hear you saying, "Awwwwww....." as you look at these pictures. 

They're just adorable as they bound around exploring their world.

And being played with by the kids and grandkids.

In my head I know he's cute, but in all honesty this is the reality of my life lately. The puppy is not housebroken and doesn't show any inclination to be picking up that skill any time soon. My husband set up this modified corral in my kitchen, which now perpetually smells like...well, not like I want my kitchen to smell. My grandchildren, who begged and pleaded for this dog do not live here and don't have the job of taking care of it. My husband, who brought the darn thing home, still works full time and is not around here most days to take care of it. Nope. The person who didn't really want another dog is the one doing the lion's share of the puppy-sitting, and I can honestly say that a lot of the time I'm struggling with the whole situation. My husband said it would be "good for me" to have this job. My mother said she was really happy that I have this upheaval in my nice little life. That wasn't a good day.

Me and Ollie, we're trying to be nice, but some days it's a wrestle for both of us. 

Comments

[Pam]

But Gus is so awwwwwsome!
I don’t want to go through the puppy part ever again. If another dog is in our future it will be a rescue that is at least a year old.
Patience!

[Elisa]

Sorry Mama. Is there anything we can do to help out? Want me to bring the kids over once a week to walk the dog?

[Eye guy]

Send him over and Roger will run him into the ground. He’ll be too tired to poop.

[dmc4042]

They're all cute until they pee on your shoes. Hang in there my friend!
Donna

[Heidi]

Oh dear. Don’t most dogs inherently know they don’t want to poop where they sleep? You are a good woman....