Dogs, Kids and Life Lessons

So this isn't so much a funny post, in that I have to keep wiping away the tears to write it.

I really wanted a dog. My oldest daughter did too - the youngest was enthusiastic. My husband, not so enthusiastic, but said if I really wanted it and would do the work, then he would go along with the plan.

Do you know how hard it is to get a dog from a rescue group? You have to practically donate an organ, and they don't want it going to homes with kids under 7.

I was bugged by the kids under 7 thing. "They don't know my family, they don't know my kids" etc.. is what I lamented to my BFF. So after a little white lie, we were approved for a puppy. A lab mix. I bought all the stuff, a crate, food, toys, bowls, pre paid for the spay etc... And I drove over the pass to meet the woman fostering the pups - to pick mine out. I picked the pretty girl, we named her Trixie.

She cried alot the first few nights, because clearly she was missing her brothers and sisters. I laid on the floor in front of her kennel the first night, and slept there, and she quieted down. I got up multiple times in the night to take her outside to go to the bathroom. Then I got up multiple times with my 3 y.o. who was having bad dreams or something. And we put all the stuff up off the ground that puppies would like to chew. I played with her, and played with her some more. I allocated 15 minutes before every departure from the house so she could go out and go to the bathroom. Wow, I thought I knew what I was getting into.

My 3 y.o. cried anytime the puppy came near her, she hid out in the play room. My 5yo did pretty well helping, but then would shriek and cry if the dog got ahold of her sleeve or leg or did anything remotely puppy play like. My husband was helpful ish the first 2 days, but clearly was upholding his decision of 'it's your choice, it's your responsibility'. Until I was sobbing and exhausted.

So we had to give Trixie back to the rescue group, who have a fabulous family lined up for her. I sobbed and cried all the way to drop her off and hysterically as I put her in the arms of the rescue founder. I'm surprised I didn't have a car accident on the way home because it's very difficult to see the road through tears and snot.

I really really really hate it - when you make a decision that you think will be great for your family and ends up being rotten for everyone involved. Including the innocent puppy who now gets to adjust to another home. All because of me and my choice. Ouch. (FYI - I would NEVER give up a dog 2years into a relationship etc.. but knowing there was a list of families who wanted those pups made it feel like the right thing to do.)

So I've woken up the past few days feeling sick and gross and sad and missing the pretty sweet little girl, but I know it was the right decision overall. In a reversal of roles, I have cried multiple times to my brother on the phone - like you're a kid and can't stop that stuttering, sobbing crying. He said that I will have the chance (when my kids are of the 'legal' dog adoption age) to make a difference in another dog's life. An older dog who might not get one otherwise. Most definitely. But ahh.. Trixie girl, I miss ya.