As the holidays approach & the year comes to a close...

[Kerri B. & Zoey]

I realized the other day that I have not blogged here is quite awhile.  Just logged in to look this up...HOLY MOLY...its been almost a YEAR!  Wow...2012 sure must have been keeping us very busy with work and play.  

Zoey is doing great, which is a BIG improvement from this time last year.  Right after the holidays I'd had her fixed and getting through the recovery from that, I literally cried for a week as NOTHING would keep this dog from pulling/licking at her stitches.  Frustration and exhaustion from staying up with her was putting it mildly!  She is SO headstrong and SO sassy...I did have a few tear filled moments of thinking "what in the hell have I gotten myself into!".  

As the new year began, the challenges continued...testing me at every turn, making me feel like a bad mommy because she wasn't the perfect little pup.  Then in July, I went on a mini vacay with some girlfriends in Vegas and left the pooch with my parents for a few days.  When they picked me up from the airport, my mom says, "something's happened with Zoey".  Panicked, I asked "WHAT?", as my mind raced with thoughts of "how come you did not call me and tell me?...what did the vet say?...is she going to be ok?".  My mom turns and says, "it's like a light switch flipped and overnight she's become a different dog!"  After my panic subsided, she went on to tell me that Zoey was listening and calmer, among other things.  After a few days of being back, I began noticing these changes as well.  Phew...maybe I am not such a terrible mommy!

Don't get me wrong, we still have a long road ahead and she is still challenging, headstrong and OH SO SASSY...but that  is part of what makes her personality so great.  She is silly and certainly one of the most neurotic animals I've ever met, but again, I think that's part of what makes her unique and all mine!  

I have thought about the possibility of getting Zoey a playmate sometime next year (maybe next summer), although my dad has sworn that he will kill me if I do (they dog sit during the week - he acts put out, but I know he loves her & she keeps him entertained).  I even have thought about getting a cat (and I'm NOT a cat person).  My mom has adopted some feral cats that showed up in her yard (she made a little shelter for them & feeds them, but they are not in the house).  Well Zoey started out going CRAZY every time they came to the back door.  Now she will stand nose to nose with them (as long as she's on a leash...she is just too excitable for them).  So we'll see what the new year brings.

But for those out there struggling with all the craziness that puppyhood brings, just power through and know that one day that light switch will flip for you too ;) !  Happy Holidays DK'ers!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Happy Holidays to you too!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Good to hear from you, sounds like things have been improving. Zoey sounds hilarious and adorable!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Happy Holidays.....good to hear from you again.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

oh a little kitty friend would be great! Cooper loves her kitty brother and sisters! The kitty brother loves her back (not so much the older 2 lol)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks for the update. Zoey sounds like she had really matured.

[Bonnie and Kona]

So great to hear from you! Zoey sounds like a lot of fun. I'm glad she had her "light-bulb moment" and still maintains her zany personality... a perfect combo. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

So glad things are getting better.  Zoey sounds fun to me :) It is so nice your parents can dog sit for you!!