A SAHM who's gone to the dogs

What a whirlwind the last few weeks have been. Getting into the summer groove has been taking a bit of time in this household! Of course, we're never satisfied with the status quo. We've taken on a new little adventure in our lives: yes, we've adopted. Not another child, but a dog (essentially the same, right?). We've moved past our Django experience of earlier this year and Daddy Crumb finally gets his way.

After endless conversations, countless hours on the internet researching breeds and breeders and 'what to expect when you're expecting...a puppy', plus visiting several pups directly, we finally found our newest addition. We brought her home this afternoon and are gearing up for our first night of wee whimpering from the kitchen where we have her bed set up right now.

Here's a glimpse of her:

We had decided that we really wanted a border collie. Daddy Crumb used to have one and she was "the best dog ever" (his words). He had his heart set on getting us one but it would need to be the right one. We had been looking for a mix, actually, likely a border collie/lab cross. We'd read this might be a better mix for young children, ideally losing some of the intensity of a purebred border collie. We knew of course that either way a dog like this would require exercise and proper management around our kids, teaching both our kids and the dogs how to live together (hopefully) harmoniously. How's that for a cat person who's been brainwashed?! ;)

Alas, we ended up with a purebred. We met the mother (and her owner) on a hobby farm about 45 minutes from town and she was a beautiful dog. Extremely well-tempered and very friendly. The puppies were adorable, no question there.

The kids had the chance to toodle around with them while we spoke with the owner and, after about a half hour of watching, playing, chatting and pondering, Daddy Crumb gave me the 'this is the one' look. A quick drive into the town to get money and discuss over lunch and we made our way back to that farm to adopt our girl. Suvi finally gets the little sister she's always wanted.

No name yet, but it won't be long I'm sure. I can't believe we've done it! I'm assuming this role as though we have another child. And I'm nervous as heck! (I've never had a child like this one!) But, so far, she's a fantastic little addition to our family. I'll look forward to stepping in a few pee puddles on the way to get my morning coffee...