News from the Nursery--Nurse tired (but happy)

[DeeDee and Sheila]

Ok I',m not trying to be a smarty pants, but I have this God List. Things I can't wait to ask God someday. You know, things like how are we supposed to raise our children (and puppies correctly when THEY have more energy than US? I mean, how much p and p can a 4 1/2 lb. dog excrete in one day? We've gone out so many times that I am proud ?! to say that Sheila knows the difference between the word potty (#1) and poop. She doesn't tell me when she wants to do either of these things, though. I am left to guess, help her ring her bells, watch like a hawk for any sign indicating that this peewee might want to do one of these two things. I mean, come on, I think SOMEONE could have planned this a little better!!

Another thing. Why I ask, do baby humans and baby animals crave NOT the toys we have so carefully selected for them, but prefer every NO NO in the house? In Sheila's case, she LIVES for a door or gate to be left open. I can hear her little feet "zooming" to the hot spots-closets with nice smelly socks in them, the dishwasher opening, door to the filthy wet, snowy, salty garage. Oh, and outside. She ties to eat the moss between the bricks, little stones my eyes can barely see, grass tufts --but will she eat her food or the tasty treats I give her? --barely. The moss is a supplement to her DAILY diet of dental floss, socks, the dirtier the better, kleenex and TP, Qtips, rug pile, etc.

But I also see the miracle of God's creatures. The peaceful sleep of a puppy, the trust, never worrying about tomorrow, their next meal, who will love them and care for them. Just sleeeeep. Speaking of sleep, now I finally CAN get to sleep. After years of tossing, turning, reading, typing email, tossing some more. Just get a puppy. I figure she cost me about the same as the sleep clinic my doctor wanted me to go to. And she is more fun. Sleep clinic, snore!!

Sheila is sleeping. So I get to rest and maybe watch the end of the Olympics. And I'd better go now and recharge my own batteries. Sleep tight, Li'l Sheila.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I lost 10lbs when Quincy was a pup. They didn't stay gone unfortunately. Having a puppy is like having a newborn, just as much work and just as much joy. My days now revolve around the doodle and making sure he gets enough exercise, making sure he is brushed and that he eats properly. I wouldn't trade it for anything. My friends all thought I was crazy for getting a dog just 2 years away from retirement and freedom and being able to go where I want. I just say to them where I go the doodle goes. If I should ever need to leave him with someone I have no shortage of volunteers. When I was thinking about getting a puppy I asked my husband if he would take him to work with him while I was working and he just laughed at me. These days if Quincy is not with him at work everybody is asking where he is. I work 12hr shifts so the doesn't have to go too often and they miss him when he is not there. Sorrry I'm rambling on. Enjoy your baby and it does get easier although I hate to tell you at 13mos Quincy never misses a chance at a pair of socks or bathroom tissue.