puppy love

Winston came to live with us two weeks ago. Seventeen pounds of wiggling, spotted puppy love. To say that he is a good puppy is an understatement. I was expecting the worst. Sleepless nights, stains on the carpet, biting and jumping up, etc. Winston might be the calmest, sweetest puppy ever. Of course, having a new puppy in the house isn't easy but he has gotten the routine down quickly and already become a part of the family.

We had been considering getting another dog for a while now. The timing just wasn't right and probably never would have been. (Yes, people have been telling me that I am crazy for getting a puppy while i have a baby). I have been wanting another big dog ever since my doberman passed away three and a half years ago. There has just been something missing. I miss that big dog head resting on my lap asking for a pet. I miss feeling safe when I'm home alone or going for walks. Of course, Ellie would try her hardest to keep us safe if she needed to but she has no idea that she only weighs 7 pounds and would be completely ineffective.

We decided in the spring to start looking for a puppy. I felt passionately about going through a rescue group because there are so many puppies out there that need homes. I learned a big, heartbreaking lesson about back yard breeders with my Doberman. Way back then I didn't know the right way to get a puppy from a breeder and that there were irresponsible breeders out there. He came from a newspaper article. Now I know that should have been a red flag. He was AKC registered which I now know means absolutely nothing. He developed almost every known problem that is common to the breed. He died when he was only 6 years old because his stomach flipped over. Surgery wasn't an option because he was born with a bleeding disorder that is hereditary. Both of his parents should have been tested for the disorder before they were bred.

I first saw Winston's sweet face on Petfinder.com. Jimmy and I had both said we like German Shorthair Pointers and he looked just like one. We know he has some of that in him and the rest is a mystery. Someone had dropped him off at a shelter with his 4 brothers and sisters. They were scheduled to be euthanized because the shelter was full. Thankfully, someone at the shelter put a call into the rescue groups in the area. Even though they didn't have any room or fosters lined up, Canine Companions Rescue in Clarkston took these guys in. I am still in disbelief that if it weren't for these rescue groups these beautiful puppies could have been put to sleep.

I'm excited to see Winston and Lucy grow up together. Although Winston is growing at a much much faster pace than Lucy. I think he has already doubled in size since he came to live with us!