Puppies aren’t for the weak

Last week, I talked about our new addition to the family – Hudson, our golden retriever. Since I wrote about him last, we have learned how difficult having a puppy can be. It’s not so much the degree of difficulty of caring for a puppy, but rather, the constant attention they require.

It’s a definite lifestyle change for any new dog owner and especially has been for us as we don’t have jobs that allow for normal business hours. Kaitlyn works 12-hour shifts in the emergency room at Marshfield while I have nights and weekends that require me to be working.

We have managed the schedule pretty well. However, on nights where I have had to work from home writing an article about the most recent meeting or transcribing an interview, it’s tough to keep one eye on work and another on Hudson.

One night, I spent three hours keeping a close eye on Hudson thinking it was about time for him to be taken outside to go to the bathroom. I took him out three times during that three hour span, thinking he was starting to make circles and about to squat and do his business.

Each time, he went outside and found a new stick to chew on or a new scent trail of a squirrel or rabbit. Once again, I brought him inside and got back to doing what I was doing, always keeping an eye on him.

I turned to put some dishes away and

FOURMENS

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Hodd

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Hudson disappeared around the corner. I didn’t notice immediately and about 20 seconds went by. During that time, Hudson had gone into our bedroom and left a present in the middle of the room. It happened so fast. I was very frustrated. The potty training process for a puppy has been taxing at times but we have to remember it is a process.

Along with the potty training, we have been working with him on a variety of commands. We were one of the last members of our family and friend group to get a dog. Hudson has been to visit virtually all of the other dogs in our lives and has been a champ playing with the other dogs. I’m grateful for the other dogs as they tucker Hudson out and have made it easy to care for him the rest of the day when we get home.

Along the same, but different lines, it’s important to realize with pets and everything else in life, that we are fortunate to have what we have. That hit home a little bit harder this week after learning about the fire in Colby and the pets, and home, the family lost in that fire. News like that makes you hug your fur babies a little tighter and appreciate the pets and things you have. If you haven’t already, read the story on the front page about the fire and find out ways you can help donate to the family in their time of need.

Colby

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