The Dog

One night I sat on the couch completely exhausted.

The kids were finally in bed and I needed to unwind.

The kids had been naughty and emotional and filled with DRAMA the whole day.

At some point during the day they had made a comment about their new life with divorced parents.   They were up and down emotional.  It hurt my heart.  They fought.  They were annoying and loud.  They were disobedient.  Finishing homework was a battle.  I mustered my last energies to tuck them in bed, kiss them and gladly close their door ending an exhausting day.

 

Because of the late hour the only thing on t.v. was the news. 

I hate watching the news these days.  I need cheerful stories or mindless reality shows to lose myself in.

However, this once I was struck by the story the news was sharing.  It was a week after the shootings at the elementary school in Connecticut.  The children in the town were enjoying love by therapy dogs.  I was interested.  Those therapy dogs were loving those kids unconditionally.  They were a distraction for the students.  The therapy dogs could help the town de stress and escape their worry as those dogs licked their faces.  Kids were laying on the dogs and finding comfort in their fur.   The music in the background of the news clip faded out as I had a change of heart almost like the Grinch. 

 

Although I grew up in a home with lots of pets I never wanted a pet in my home. 

I didn't need any more "children" or responsibilities.  I knew it would turn into MY responsibility.  I never wanted that.  We had dog-sitted plenty and loved that experience but it never convinced me enough to get a dog of our own.

 

However, sitting there on the couch watching the news, exhausted and on empty myself I had a strong feeling that hit me.  My kids needed a dog!!!  I needed that therapy dog to fix things for my kids.

Emmy needed that unconditional love that could heal her fears. 

Maryn needed something to take care of besides herself. 

Ady needed a friend and confidant. 

Kaden needed a best buddy. 

They needed the distraction of loving a dog. 

I knew it and I was so excited!

 

The next morning I called the only person I new who is in the dog business.  Martha, the daughter of my mission president.   She is in the poodle business.  As I told her of my revelation for my children she had only wonderful things to say about poodles.  

It felt right.

 

We went the next morning to check out a bunch of cute baby poodles looking for a home.

My kids were dying as they each held their own baby.

 

 

There was a little miniature toy poodle that was waiting for it's new owner to pick her up. 
Her name is Holly.  Isn't she teeny and so sweet?  I didn't want one that small because either we would step on her and squish her flat or she would get lost down the air conditioning vent.  She's literally a purse dog. 

So, after 3 days we picked out the dog that we wanted and brought him home. 
Milo.
He was 8 weeks old and a cute snuggler.

The first night we put him in his crate for bed.  I was expecting to be up a lot with him like a tiny new born.  But, he slept through the night.  He was going to be a perfect fit for our family.  I just new it.

Since he was a new baby we couldn't leave him longer than a couple of hours.  We brought him to the family dinners in Provo and realized that some of the baby cousins only liked Milo from a distance.  He was like a fun new toy.  Everyone liked Milo.  He was cute and little.   He slept alot and gladly went into his crate when needed.   

As I was waiting for the magic to happen with Milo I slowly noticed that he was becoming a dog that jumped up on everyone.  He barked all the time.  He was pooping everywhere.  He bit anyone who tried to pet him.  He was chewing everything up and ruining so much.  He chewed up a phone charger dang it!  I was having to take him out during the night to go potty.  The kids were saying things like, "Get Milo off of me.  He won't leave me alone!"  He literally ate through some one's homework.  He was eating chap stick.  He was like a little toddler that we couldn't leave alone for one second, unwinding toilet paper roles and digging holes in my rugs.  He was becoming a big annoying problem.  The kids didn't like to take him on walks.  He ran out the front door a few times and would stop, look back at us then keep on running.  He ate chocolate kisses, wrapper and all. 

Everyone said that have we got him neutered he would calm down.
Nope, he actually got more hyper.

In the end, he was causing me a lot of stress and grief.  We already had a lot of stress and grief going on in this house and he was only adding to it.  I missed the freedom I needed to go out and do errands, to be gone the whole afternoon and not have to hurry back to take a dog out potty.  He was ruining my routine.

We took Milo to his owner to get a groom and she commented on how naughty he was.  She felt like he had some emotional problems that needed to be resolved.  Well we were sort of done with Milo.  We didn't have the time or money or patience to deal with him anymore.

Fast forward to a sunny day in March we dropped him off at a lovely family's home.  They already had 2 dogs and were in the business of helping to train problem dogs.  Milo ran into the house, said hello to his new family and then ran right out the front door.  I'm pretty sure they found him because we haven't heard from them.  We had to hustle off to a choir concert and didn't stick around to watch them struggle with that dumb dog.

And that is where Milo resides to this very day.  
I guess I better call them to see how it's going.  Maybe I can sell him to make back some of the money we put into him.

Anyone want a male Toy Poodle?  He'll grow to be about 8-10 pounds.  6 months old.  Sweet.  White.  Healthy.  Up to date on his vaccinations.  Neutered. 
I'm sure by now he'll make a loving addition to any one's home.

Will go to the 1st caller with the best offer.
Call quick!