Raising a puppy

The life of puppy ownership is teaching me more than I ever imagined it would. It is one of those things that is exhausting and difficult, but in a good way. Tons of people want dogs and most of the idea is romanticized into this thing that will be all sunshine and rainbows and the "work" part is not figured into the equation. The reality of dog ownership is that while puppies are wonderful and they bring us so much joy, they are very much "work." My post-graduation experience has mostly been marked by time, energy and money spent towards raising a puppy. Several things happen when you get a dog, and some of these things would be the same if you got a husband or had children.
First, you realize that you and your wishes are no longer the only factor in play. There is someone else figured into the mix of your everyday life, someone that requires a lot of time and priority. You cannot simply do whatever you want, when you want. You must now figure in this other person or pet. You can't just go away for a weekend, or leave for the whole day (unless the pet is a cat of course....SO much easier than a dog!)
Second, the priority of figuring this other thing into your life requires you to check your selfishness at the door. This is a great thing, but a difficult one. Whether we want to admit it or not, most people are the center of their own universe and life is about them, their wants and needs. Spiritually, this is a great excercise for us. What do we learn in seclusion about ourselves or about others?....very little. I am convinced that having this puppy will make me a much better and more patient mother one day.
Third, the exhaustion of daily laying aside selfishness and dealing with a puppy or a husband or a child, can quickly reveal the underlying ugliness in oneself. Any stored up anger, impatience, selfishness....it all comes rising out. If a puppy, in a moment, can make me want to spit nails what would I be like as a mother? This is definitely helping me practice disciplining not of anger and frustration, and this is not very easy. When that puppy sinks her teeth into the back of calve or pees on the floor, or chews up some furniture, I have to calm the reaction that creeps up inside and discipline of stern leadership and not anger.
At the end of the day, after all the walks and meals and bathroom trips outside, the accidents and the successes, I have this little creature at my side that I am growing more and more fond of and more and more because of. It is a fun adventure and here are some more photos to prove it.

Cali and Henry after their baths

The pups kissing in the cart at Petco while they wait to get their shots

In their favorite chair in the backyard fighting over a toy they took outside

Cali taking over my desk at work. Taking her to work is not a good way to get things done.

Puppies so tired