Introducing.....Barkley!

Yep, we took the plunge. We adopted a new dog - puppy. It's kind of an interesting story. We had been talking for a while about getting the girls (and us) a "big" dog. For the backyard, protection, etc... We had even researched different breeds and what would be appropriate for us. Never having actually decided on one, knowing we'd end up rescuing one from the animal shelter. We knew, though, we wanted a big dog that was good with kids. I wanted one that was low maintenance on grooming aspect and one that didn't shed hair all over the place. Pretty high expectations, but we have the right to be picky! Anyway, so we were pretty sure sometime in the next few months, we would get another dog.

We just had no idea that the dog would "find" us. :) You see, yesterday, I went to pick up Brooke from school, like usual. And lo and behold this 'stray' puppy had wandered up to the school. He loved all the kids and her teacher REALLY didn't want to call the animal shelter - he was just too sweet and too cute. I thought about it, but really didn't want to just show up after school with a dog. Plus I was concerned about Bailey too - not knowing if the stray was healthy or whatnot. So, in the end, another mom (and substitute teacher at her school) toook the dog with her. In that same day, she took the dog to the vet, gave him a bath, etc etc... I talked with Brad about it at lunch and then for probably an hour on the phone with him later trying to decide if we should take the plunge.

Long story short, as you can see, we did it. Ms Robin brought the dog to our house later that same afternoon. The vet had estimated the dog is less than 14 wks old (based on teeth) and when he loses his baby teeth, that's how we'll know he's 14 wks. She is almost certain he is half shepherd and half great pyrenees. Robin had told me this on the phone, so I had my time to research the two breeds. To me, he has the coloring of the sheperd but coat and structure of the pyrenees. The Great Pyrenees only sheds once a year and does not have the tendency to get matted hair. (Great! Meets one of my criteria!) He's also tends to be great with kids and will self-sacrifice himself if needed for the sake of his owners and family and is great with children (another one met!). So, we're pretty excited about our newest family member. Though I forget how much fun it is to housebreak a dog (not!). He is such a cutie - so soft and fluffy and such a pretty coat and color I think. He is expected to get really big - he's already the size of Bailey (our poodle) and he's somewhere less than 14 wks old) Him and Bailey are quick becoming best buds and they play really well together. Bailey is so stoked to have another friend to play 'soccer' with. :) And Barkley (we just named him) is enamored with Brooke and follows her everywhere! We probably couldn't have found a better match for our family if we had hand-picked a breed/dog. We are so happy he found us!

(sitting by Brooke's chair while she eats)

PS - yes, he will be an outside dog, but we want him housebroken too...that's why he's inside now.