I’m watching his every move, looking for signs. Does he need the toilet? A nap? Has he slept too long?
I worry about leaving him. Will he be ok if I go out of the room for a moment? Will he sleep through the night?
Getting ready to go out anywhere seems to take an age. Have we got everything? wipes, waste bags? Will he be warm enough?
I feel like a first time mum, anxious, unsure and wanting to get everything right. Except that my youngest is eight years old now, so what is wrong with me?
We got a puppy, that’s what.
Need I say more?
It might as well be a fourth child.
He’s a baby, he already looks to me for comfort and reassurance, follows me around everywhere and takes every time I sit down as an opportunity to jump on my lap and snuggle up for a snooze. It’s very cute, but it doesn’t get a lot done.
This amount of affection and neediness comes with a huge amount of responsibility.
We thought long and hard about this move, researching breeds until we found the right one for us. Boston Terriers are known for their intelligence and make great family dogs. They are sensitive breeds, eager to please and (hopefully) easy to train. My husband wanted a Boxer, but I wasn’t ready for that sort of commitment. Bostons are (sort of) similar to Boxers in appearance, but with bigger ears. They are also a lot smaller, calmer and definitely not as dribbly! Equally as important (from my perspective) is that they don’t shed much and aren’t that smelly.
When we went to see the puppy, it was love at first sight I’m afraid and there was no going back from that.
Decision made.
So we think we ticked all the right boxes in terms of what we all needed from our family pet. Poor thing has a lot to live up to!
What does that mean for me and getting back in to some sort of routine?
The children are back at school tomorrow and that means I will be on my own with Barnie for the first time. It’s like when your husband goes back to work after paternity leave: a slightly terrifying thought that fills you with doubt and dread.
I’m ok though. This is my fourth baby, so I’m sure I will cope.
In terms of getting much work done, I’m not so sure. I was writing most of this post one handed on my iPad, with the puppy curled up on my knees. I have lots I need to do though including blogging and as I’m working at home this week, the little man and I are going to have to come to some sort of arrangement. How am I going to refuse that face though?
It’s a big commitment, but I can already tell that this little man is going to bring a lot of joy into our lives.
Sharing this for What I’m Writing.
Also linking up with mumturnedmom, using this weeks word from the prompt: New.
Oh, Barnie looks adorable! Sounds like a very good choice of dog. We’re thinking of getting one in the future so I will definitely bear the Boston Terrier in mind. Hope you manage to get at least a bit of writing (and other things) done despite the distraction! Thanks for linking to #whatImWriting.
He’s been very patient this morning whilst I’ve been doing some paperwork. I’ve just sat down with a coffee to give him a bit of attention and he dived straight on my lap for a snuggle and has fallen asleep already!
What a cutie pie! No wonder you’re finding him a distraction, I’d find it hard not to snuggle with him all day!
It he didn’t snore so loudly it would be fine (honestly, it’s a trait of this breed due to the short snout. That and wind coming out of the other end!)
How cute! It must be hard not to leave him alone for a second 🙂
That face sure does make you feel guilty
Definitely a very cute doggy! We were thinking of getting a cat this year, but I’m a bit wary of the extra responsibility (particularly when I’m just getting used to having a little more time to myself since my youngest started school). So I think we may have to wait for a little bit longer before we take the plunge! Wishing you all the best for 2016!
Cats are easy enough and look after themselves most of the time. They make a lovely addition to the home though.
He’s gorgeous! Our new puppy is now 8 months old and still follows me everywhere, you’re right that it is like having another child. Enjoy your new arrival 🙂
Oh no, I thought it would wear off!
He’s super cute and I love his expression in the first picture. Who’s more excited, you or the children? Enjoy!
I don’t know! We will see how long it lasts.
They are very excited and happy to at last have the dog they have been nagging for (they wear you down eventually)
Aw he’s adorable! My son wanted a puppy for Christmas but my husband isn’t keen on pets so he has a robofish and a robot puppy. So not the same! I bet the kids love him.
It will do for now. We have had everything from sea monkeys to fish, budgie and gerbils in our attempt to avoid this. Only other option left was a cat and I got over ruled on that one.
He’s lovely! I completely understand the not getting enough done, still having a 2 year old at home most of the time. it must be a shock to the system if you’ve been used to a bit more time alone during the day. I’m sure soon enough you’ll develop a nice little routine between you both, at least its nice company for the coffee breaks 😉 xx
Yes a shock it is, though at least he will sleep in his bed when I don’t pay him any attention!
We got a dog recently, but she was too big for us as a family. I’ve liked the look of Boston Terriers. I’ll love to see your progress.
It has to be the right dog for your family otherwise it can be a bad experience all round. I wasn’t keen on getting anything too big, too lively, too smelly… Obviously I will have to compromise on some of those!
Aw he is such a cutie! I think you’re very brave for taking on a dog – we spent Christmas in the States with two of my brothers and their puppies, and even though they’re both a bit older now they added a whole new dimension to every day. I’m not sure if I could do it, but I can totally see how you fell for that little face 🙂
You’re right, it is a huge responsibility and one I resisted for a long time. A dog is another member of the family, way more involved than any other pet.
ARGH I am so so envious! I’ve been trying to convince Matt to let me get a third baby (puppy) but he’s not caving! Hoping for lots of photos? x
My friend’s husband got her one when she said she wanted a fourth baby. You could try that route!!
Gorgeous little doggie, but such a huge under taking! We are going to get a cat at some point, but I’m not allowed a dog *sob* Happy new year lovely xx
I love cats and wanted to replace my old moggy when he passed away, but was over ruled. They are easy to look after at least.
Oh he is gorgeous, I’m not sure I would manage to get anything done while he was around! Hope you do manage some time to write while he’s resting though.
We have two cats who like to mess with my work by walking over the laptop or stealing my pencil to play with. I would love to get a dog in the future too!
Cats are funny. They are so curious and like to be involved with what you’re doing. We had a budgie like that. He was always right in the middle of what you were doing. Funny little thing he was.
Oh, I don’t think I could refuse that face, he is gorgeous!! My kids would love for us to get a dog, but I’m just not ready for the commitment… Definitely a new dynamic for you to get used to! Good luck with getting some work done 😉 Thank you so much for sharing with #ThePrompt x
If you’re not ready then don’t do it. It is a big commitment that’s for sure.
Oh my goodness, how cute?!! He’s gorgeous and it must be impossible to get much else done. Our dog was my fourth baby too, he’s two years old now and the time goes so fast (just the same as with children!). I’m sure once he’s settled into the routine he’ll be a great writing companion. And dog walking time is invaluable time for reflecting on plot ideas, quite often I’ve had a lightbulb moment while wandering around the woods with the dog! x
Yes I’m looking forward to longer walks. At the moment, round the block is enough. He doesn’t like the rain bless him. It is nice not to be at home on your own and he doesn’t give me any cheek like the kids do!
Oh your new puppy is just adorable. That little face! I think I would struggle to resist it too and can imagine it’s quite hard to get any blogging done with your new baby wanting to snuggle up in your lap. Good luck with adjusting to all the new routines that your new puppy brings 🙂
Thanks. I am sure we will get in to a routine soon.
He is totally gorgeous! I had heard that a new puppy is like having a baby – but just like a baby, I bet he will be totally worth it 🙂 #theprompt
Hope so. It’s been a few years since I was at this baby stage. I’m too old for it!
He looks like such a darling. And does sound very like having a baby! #theprompt
Lap dog actually and one who doesn’t like going out much.
Oh Nikki, just scrumptious! I’m sure Barnie will be forgiven for keeping you from your work… 😉