Finding Our Next New Normal!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

After we lost Sophie in March we began the task of figuring out what our "new normal" was going to be.  We quickly decided that our new normal should not include just one doodle so we went on the wait list for a puppy to come home at the end of August. (They were actually born yesterday).   Then along came HoneyBear, quickly followed by our meant to be Miss AnnaBelle!  Our new normal became what some (including me) might term a little crazy.  A 10 month old puppy along with a 10 week old puppy and a 5 year old Grumpy Doodle was a full time job.  We quickly found ways to deal with it and The Grump quickly decided that she and Honey could be friends, but she was holding out judgement on being friends with AnnaBelle.  AnnaBelle and Honey became quick friends, so much so that they had to be monitored when out loose, which meant AnnaBelle got lots of time in her little playpen.  As AnnaBelle grew Lucy started to play with her more and more.  First outside, then in the house.  She and AnnaBelle didn't play as rough as AnnaBelle and Honey did but she also didn't always want to play when AnnaBelle did.   We all managed to co-exist for 8 weeks, learning what worked and what didn't.  Then yesterday, we found ourselves saying good-bye to HoneyBear and coming inside to a really quiet house.  Wow ... what do we do now.  We sort of felt that after Honey left that we would be able to leave AnnaBelle out loose in the house a lot more, so the first thing we did was let her out.  She and Lucy were co-existing peacefully.  AnnaBelle has learned what Lucy's warnings to her mean (for the most part) and she seems to respect her!  However, about an hour later, here is what I found:

After a little nap and some lunch we decided to take a little ride with both girls over to Mamaw's house.  Lucy usually stayed home with Honey while she was here except for some special outings because taking 3 dogs anywhere requires preparation and patience.  Lucy had not allowed AnnaBelle in the backseat with her previously, but I decided yesterday that maybe they had made enough progress to give it another try:

It was AnnaBelle's first time buckled in and Lucy did just fine with her laying up there with her.  No growling so I think we are making some progress.

The remainder of yesterday and so far today things are going really well.  AnnaBelle even gave me a little "woof" awhile ago at the back door to let me know she wanted out.  She hasn't had too many opportunities to go to the door to ask to be let out because she is normally just taken out when she came out of her playpen.  She is doing really well with her potty training and we have had no accidents so far since she has been given more freedom in the last 2 days.  She is so cute in that she has learned she gets a treat when she comes in from potty and she now knows sit as well.  So, she runs in the back door and immediately turns around sits and looks up at me for her treat!  I'm pretty sure that one "woof" to go out was just so she would get another treat, but I made her stay out until she pottied or at least went through the motions. 

It is pretty much Monkey see Monkey do as she does all the things that Lucy does.  She loves to be under the desk when we are in the Den:

She knows to respect Lucy's wishes and knows how to hide behind something bigger than Lucy when she wants to mess with her:  Dad, I'm going in for that toy, so cover me if she explodes, ok!

So, things are getting back to our "new normal" which today included a haircut for Lucy and she (and I) are both exhausted.

AnnaBelle was 15 weeks old yesterday and tipped the scales at a whopping 20.5 lbs.  She is going to be a wonderful little Sister to Lucy and together they will be our new normal!  I can already tell part of that new normal is going to be picking up toys.  She loves toys.  L&S were never really that interested in them as they had each other.  AnnaBelle will drag out 15 toys and if you pick them up and put them back she drags them out again! 

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Miss Annabelle is adorable as ever!  So glad big sissy Lucy is adjusting too!  Have thought of you and Mike several times this week and wondering how you two were adjusting...  Couldn't comment some of the posts about Honey...couldn't type through my tears ; (

I friended Dr Beam on FB so hopefully they will give us updates on Honey!!!

 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Your new normal sounds really nice!  Everything seems to be coming together...enjoy!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thank you for this update! It sounds like things are going well and I hope they became best friends in no time.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Sheri, you and Mike have been just amazing, with all you have been through, taking on Honey's care and a new puppy at the same time. Enjoy your new normal and maybe find a little time to relax and watch AnnaBelle and Lucy become the best of friends. Hugs to you all and thank you for being a part of Honey's angel brigade.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LIKE! 

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Love your new normal!!! Niña is a toy hoarder also - I put them away and she pulls them out and so on. I put them away fast so I can watch her pull them all out again! We used to have inside only toys but that didn't last once the patio door stayed open in the warmer weather. 

I am so thrilled that you have another little doodle to love and cherish - you deserve it!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Wonderful blog and I loved every photo! Thanks for writing!

[Sheila & Finnley]

Loved the story.... really love seeing the pictures. Lucy and Annabelle will continue to forge their relationship, and it will just get smoother and happier as the days go on !

[DJ & Chance]

What a wonderful new normal!

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

First of all I just want to thank you and your DH for taking on Honey.  I loved reading all of the updates about her and I also want to congratulate you on your newest permanent addition.  I've been out of town a lot taking care of my mother so I must have missed seeing the news.  Very happy for you and she looks adorable! I have my own Mr. Grump (Jake) to deal with.  He was not to keen from the get go about Baxter joining our family but at least he is not as jealous as he used to be.  Enjoy the rest of the summer with your "new normal" :)

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

Glad things are going well.  When we brought Beau home, Tank nor Sully wanted anything to do with him.  Sully is a mush pot, so he held out for about a week and then things were good.  For Tank, it took about 4-5 months before the growling stopped, and I felt comfortable, and they became friends.  It took some training on Tank's part (and mostly my end) and then one day, I looked down and Tank was sleeping with his head on Beau's back.  I don't know who was more surprised, me or Beau.  Beau still has a healthy respect for Tank as the alpha.  If Tank is in the middle of the floor intense on an antler, Beau will work through the living room, foyer and dining room to get to the kitchen rather than walk near Tank.  Tank does not growl at him, Beau just knows it's probably not a good time.  It will all work out,  one day it will just click and they will be bff.  

[Dee & Chloe]

I am so happy to hear all is well with your family and that a "new normal" has returned. It looks like Lucy and AnnaBelle are going to be BFFs. You two are incredible for doing what you did for Honey. Your pictures are wonderful, and I especially love the one of AnnaBelle hiding behind her dad!