We welcomed home an 8-week-old puppy last Wednesday on a beautiful 75-degree spring day. Oliver Oakley is a tri-colored Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and has quickly become the love of my life! Who would have thought? I've never considered myself a "dog person". In fact, like my friend Carolyn, I was always more of a "dog tolerater". Well, Oliver has changed that already! Most of my friends told me to expect that bringing a puppy home was a lot like having another baby. I didn't realize, however, that despite the extra work, constant vigilance, and joys of potty training, I would feel those same old tugs at the heartstrings and jump on those overwhelming maternal instincts to nurture and protect this little bundle in my care. He has brought it all back and I like it! In fact, with my boys now full-fledged teenagers, I admit I even missed it. Funny how four pounds of fur can do that.
From day one, I have carefully scooped and measured his dry food, wetting it so he won't choke and watching carefully for signs of eating too much or too fast. He does lap his water quickly sometimes and has the hiccups afterwards, but I simply rub his tummy and they go away. No spit up with this guy!
He slept all night in his crate right away...10:00 pm to 6:00 am without a whimper or bark and he wakes up dry and ready to face the day. After his morning potty break, he let's me rock him in the rocking chair for snuggles to start our day. Now that's more than this momma could ask for in a first-born dog! He looks at me with those adoring big eyes that make me think I'm the most important person in the world and he comes when I call him, tail wagging behind him as he lumbers toward me on oversized puppy paws. Best feeling in the world! Unconditional love and constant gratitude. I'm even getting used to wet kisses, muddy paw prints, and the smell of DOG in my house. It must be PUPPY LOVE!
