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Dec. 24, 2005
OK, last entry about the puppy already
Well, we've had Holden for 24 hours now. So far so good. He's done his "business" outside six times and inside zero times. Not too bad for such a little guy.
At 3:30 this morning, as I stood outside shivering in the wind and bits of rain, I contemplated why exactly it is that everyone wants a puppy for Christmas. Every reputable guide says it is a bad time to get a puppy. Children are overwhelmed by all the gifts and excitement. The puppy gets forgotten. The puppy eats a few ornaments. Seems to be a bad deal for the puppy all the way around. I was being reminded of how uncomfortable midnight trips outside would be. June is a good time for a puppy. Nights are comfortable. It is kind of pleasant to be out at those hour at the beginning of summer.
This puppy is our "family" present. It is all any of us are getting, so I don't think we have to worry too much about being overwhelmed by the general lack of anything but a puppy to play with in the morning. I kind of like "family" presents. Last year we decided to get a family Y pass for Christmas. But I will be up at all hours for awhile. In the cold. And here in Nebraska, it is as likely to be driving rain as driving snow. Much worse in my book.
This morning as the puppy ran chasing after Little Mouse and Baby Bear chased after him, I thought, "This is why we got a puppy." Watching them pounce and tumble was worth getting up at 3:30. And 5:30. Not to mention not going to bed until midnight.
This afternoon, while taking little Holden for yet another romp, I contemplated why people get dogs in general. And the notion that you genererally get out of something what you put into it. We could have gotten an adult dog that was at least somewhat trained. We could have signed him up for obedience classes down the road. We could have let someone else done all the work so that we could just enjoy a nice, well-behaved dog.
But right now, at least, I think there is something to be said for putting in the work. There is something to midnight walks, frequent cleanings and the many trips outside (even in the cold). And I'm really looking forward to the more proper training as he is ready (he's working on 'do your business,' 'kennel up' and his name at the moment.) If a child learns to value a dollar by understanding the work it represents, can it not also be for a puppy?
He really is a neat little guy...and he still trips over himself. He is so adorable!
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