Puppies: Messes and Blessings

Look how sweet and innocent he is when he's sleeping! 
 Let's get him.  It'll be fun!


When I said, "Yes" to this new puppy, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into.  I've had a puppy before.  Had one when I was a child.  No problem!



I knew he would chew things,




but I didn't remember he would chew every blessed thing in the house, including our fingers, toes, shoes, pant cuffs, and anything accessible.  The lever on the air vent cover, the wood on the baby gates, clothes or shoelaces that have snuck under the bottom of the closet door.  Just everything!



I knew he would have potty accidents on the floor,



                                          Go in the grass, not the carpet!!


but I didn't remember it would be a million, billion accidents that we clean up every day, usually following an unsuccessful trip outside to "go potty."  He can hold it for an hour outside so he can go on the comfort of our living room carpet.  Splendid.



But the best part of owning a puppy that I didn't even know about, could not possibly anticipate was how CLEAN it would make my house.

I am not kidding.

When the kids found out that the puppy would chew anything on the floor, all the toys magically marched to the playroom and have stayed there for a week.  I haven't had to pick a toy up from the living room in 8 days!!!  It's a new record for our household!

AND (Oh yes- there's an "and.") all the kids' shoes, socks and jackets are picked up and put away every time we come in the house.  By the children themselves.  Shock and awe!  Miracle of miracles - they're all safely put away in the closet where they're supposed to go (because they don't want holes in their jackets or their shoelaces to be chewed to smithereens)!


Hmmm...he may be a lot of work, but so far, I think it's totally worth it.  Not only do we have a cute little companion (that will eventually be housebroken and stop chewing on things)...by default, he's also an excellent housekeeper!




See?  I'm a good dog.  Really I am.  I'm a keeper!



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