Indoor potties

I don't have many regrets in life, but I am dedicating today's post to one. I wish I had known about indoor dog potties when Lilith was alive. I have two for Leo: one for home and one for work, and he uses them quite successfully (though like all little boys, his aim leaves a bit to be desired from time to time). I got them from ebay for about $25 each because I don't have a private back yard right outside my kitchen door, and with a new puppy, waiting for the elevator and descending ten floors isn't exactly a good plan, especially right after they've eaten. I really wish I had discovered them when I had a senior dog who had trouble holding it while waiting for the elevator. How could I have missed such a cool invention? Next time, I'll be ready. For now, I can only spread the word. 

They're really easy to use. I trained Leo to use them by putting some shavings from his box at the breeder's under the grill. Clean up is a breeze. You just spray them down in the shower! They come with pee pads, but Leo tried to eat them. Besides, hosing them down is just as easy. 

So there you have it, people. Plastic gold. How much grief this would have spared Lilith, and how much sleep and carpet cleaning this would have spared me! Sigh.

Here is the link where I found mine:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Dog-Toilet-Color-green-40cm-50cm-UGODOG-INDOOR-DOG-POTTY-TOILET-puppy-training-/130620092330?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e69906faa

Those of you with big dogs can try the ugodog, which is basically the same thing, but you can snap two together. http://www.ugodog.net/#

Here's Leo in his playpen at work using his potty as a bed.

 

Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm 64?

Just because I now have a puppy doesn't mean I've forgotten what it's like to look after an older dog. The sleepless nights, incontinence, and general dependency remind me on a regular basis, believe me. I look at Leo and think about how lucky I am that I most likely won't be facing his mortality for over a decade. However, I still hope that at some point down the road, I'm able to adopt another senior dog. The kind of love you get from an older dog is priceless. Someday, I will have that relationship with Leo. I will love him all the days of his life. Maybe someday I'll add an older dog to the mix, too!  

 

This moment of cuteness is brought to you by a good meal :-)

Yum! That was delicious!

Homecoming King

Leo has been home for 24 hours, and is adjusting very well. He's tired, but today, I can sit in another room while he dozes calmly in the kitchen. Speaking of the kitchen, I have blocked it off with a baby gate for him because 85% accuracy with the dog potty isn't quite good enough to let him have free run of the carpeted areas. He's doing very well with the housebreaking, both at home and at school, but the highlight of his day is feeding time. He loves his food. He's turning out to be a fabulous snuggler, and the kids at work love him dearly. I look forward to every day I get with him, and I hope they are plentiful :-)

I'm in love!

 

The time has come, but this time, it's good news!

The boy in the blue collar, henceforth known as Leo, gets to come home tomorrow! I'm terrified, but elated. We're ready. Well, as ready as we'll ever be, and will take each day as it comes.

Leo is the one on the left. Here he is sitting calmly while his sister chews on his ear.

Happy birthday, Lilith

Lilith would have been 17 today. Every day I had with her was a blessing, and I am so thankful. Happy birthday, little friend. I love you. 

 

Changes

I'm able to think of Lilith and smile now. I still miss her, but I can look at her pictures and blow kisses at them without crying now. Ophelia has stopped meowing at the door every time I come in, but I think she's still kind of lonely, and would like a furry friend. 

I got to meet the puppies a couple of weeks ago, and will get to see them again soon. There's one in particular that stole my heart, and since I get second pick of the litter, the odds are good that he'll be able to come home with us. I'm so excited, but really scared, too. I've never been responsible for a puppy. I've had them, but as a child, so it doesn't really count. My mom isn't even alive for me to ask advice, so I'll have to muddle through as best I can. 

The puppies at 2 weeks old

I've got a puppy kindergarten program picked out, and just bought a lock for the garbage can today. I've read everything I could get my hands on about raising puppies, and now, all that's left is to live it. Just like caring for a senior pet, I'm sure there will be curveballs, but if I learned anything from Lilith, it's that I'm stronger than I ever thought possible, and I can adapt when necessary. Wish us luck!