Dog Days of the Summers'

Summer has flown by. We have been keeping so busy, and we're even busier now because we've added a new member to our family. We'd like to introduce you to Leia, our new Miniature Schnauzer puppy.


I know my family will faint because I've never been a known dog lover. But, the kids have been asking us for a dog for the last couple of years. Whenever I've tried to send them outside to play, they always say that our backyard is too boring and that it would be so much more fun with a dog.


For Ben's birthday in June, we told him that his present could be getting a dog. But, we would spend some time researching what kind of dog to get, and we would need to learn about caring for an "inside dog" before getting the right one. We checked out every book from the library on choosing dogs, training dogs, etc. Our family is now officially dog-trained!


When I first went online to search for what kind of dog we should get, a website popped up with the reply, "You want a cat!" We finally decided on a Schnauzer because they don't shed, they don't smell, and they're kid friendly if they're raised with kids. We even helped a lady in our ward bathe her Schnauzer, just to make sure this was really something "I" could handle! It was just like bathing Sophia, just a little wetter!


Two days ago (Tuesday) we went to the dog breeder in Olalla, WA. We got to meet a couple of her litter mates and her mommy, Jessi. She was the sweetest little one there. She came right up to us and instantly everyone decided she was meant to be part of our family.



Coming up with a name was a brief cause of contention among the kids, but they finally agreed to "Leia" after "Princess Leia" from Star Wars. They originally wanted to name any dog we got "Obi" after "Obi Won Kenobi" but I insisted on getting a female dog!


She has been such a good, little doggy. She follows me around everywhere I go. I never, ever imagined that I could like a dog, but I really think she is sweet. She snuggles up in our arms just like a new baby. But she doesn't wake up in the middle of the night to eat, so it's even better!


After the first morning up with her at 5:00 a.m. (I'm NOT a morning person!), I wondered, "What have we done?!?" It's really been crazy around here trying to make sure she doesn't go potty on the floor--(no accidents yet!) and keeping Sophia and Leia from each other, but the kids have really stepped up and are doing a great job learning all about RESPONSIBILITY. I'm just wondering, "What do I do when the older kids are in school!?!" At least Sophia won't be bored.


Leia was just what we needed right now because the kids now have a "project" for the next two weeks before school starts. They really love her!