Puppy!

Chris loved dogs and we always talked about getting one once one of us was home full-time.  At the time we talked about it, we had my cat, Luna, and no kids.  We didn't exactly know what our future family would look like but we hoped it would include a dog. 

Chris was definitely not a cat person.  Coincidentally, I adopted Luna the week I started dating him.  She was 3 years old.  She grew on him and when we got married, she slept with him every night.  He claimed to hate it but I knew better.  After Ian was born, Luna started pooping right outside the litter box.  We assumed it was because she felt neglected.  It was annoying but since it was it in such close proximity to the litter box, we dealt with it.  After Chris died and Claire was born, Luna was really lost in the shuffle.  As if having two babies in the house and losing her bed buddy weren't enough, my sister-in-law moved in for 3 months.  There was also a steady stream of friends and family in and out of the house helping.  The poor cat didn't know which end was up. 

After a while, Luna started pooping in the dining room and scratching the furniture more (she wasn't declawed).  I tried everything to get her stop doing this.  Special litter, retraining her by isolating her in the bathroom, cleaning the box every day, etc.  Nothing helped and over time, the problem became more regular.  I had the vet check for medical problems.  She was already on 3 different types of medicine for a host of problems.  Nothing could be identified as the reason for the pooping problem.  She was also frankly an after thought at that point.  I had so much on my plate, that I took for granted that cats don't always need a lot of attention.  But I felt bad and I just couldn't give her what she needed.  So, about 18 months ago, with a very heavy heart, I gave her back to the shelter I got her from.  It is a no-kill shelter so I knew she would not be destroyed. It was a very hard decision that took months to make.  I felt guilty doing it but I knew I had to for every one's sake. 

I checked in on her every few weeks and after a few months, I learned that the shelter vet did an x-ray of her spine and found a small hairline fracture. This probably caused her enough pain to keep her from getting into the litter box hence her issues.  I also found out that she had been adopted by an older couple who had recently lost their cat.  This is nothing short of a miracle considering Luna was 8 years old and had some medical issues.  The couple were used to caring for a cat like this so they were thrilled to get her and absolutely love her (they call her the Marilyn Monroe of cats)!  I was so relieved and glad that the story ended well for all.

About 6-9 months ago, I started thinking about if and when we would get a puppy.  I knew the kids needed to be a little older and that it had to be the right type of dog. I wanted to feel like our lives were a little more under control and I also wanted my work situation to be somewhat stable.  I did a lot of research on breeds and decided that I wanted a mid-sized, non-shedding dog that was good with kids.  Since I have been working part-time from my home for almost a year now, I felt like this spring/summer would be a good time to get the dog. 

I decided on a Goldendoodle (cross between a golden retriever and a standard poodle).  I found a great breeder in central Illinois and the litter that our puppy will come from was born on Sunday!  The mom gave birth to NINE puppies!  Take that Kate Gosselin!  Anyway, we will be picking our puppy up in 10 weeks.  We requested a female but as there are only three in the bunch, we may get a male.  The kids are beyond excited (Claire is obsessed with dogs) and we have been thinking of possible names.  We can't wait!

Here is a picture of the litter.  Who knows which one will be ours!

P.S.  Chris would be having so much fun with this.