Pupxiety is pronounced with a "Z!" And, why I won't be getting any of those for a while!

[Katie, Andy, and Ernie!]

I promised I'd be back and here I am to fill you in the on the recent developments! To my surprise, my post last week created quite a stir. Today, I sit here and my eyes feel like they may withdraw into my head because I'm so tired! My last two weeks have been filled with sleepless nights, and now we have a puppy!

To get everyone up to speed, the plan for the engagement changed, if only slightly. (If you don't know the story, see the details here.) The long of the story is that I wasn't able to find exactly the right way to deliver the ring on the collar. Instead, I decided to bury the ring inside Ernie's crate with all the accessories and necessities I'd purchased for him over the preceding weeks. This way Katie had an opportunity to meet and greet the little guy and enjoy that surprise before getting to the heart of the matter.

My morning started with a cup of coffee (if we're honest, it was two), a shower, and a change of clothes. I found my way to the storage unit where I'd been hiding the crate, gates, and several other items and stowed them in my car. Then we hit our first hiccup. My trip to Mike's Camera informed me that the rental department was in Boulder. Unfortunately, this meant I wouldn't have time to get everything setup at home for Ernie's arrival and that I wouldn't be able to film Katie's homecoming. Soon after, I realized I could simply record some of the events on my phone and upload them with apps to YouTube! This was a relief as I knew the reaction would be priceless! I ran home and setup the gate, FaceTimed with Katie's sister, Kelly, my accomplice in all of this, and arranged some other items. At around 11:25, I made haste for the home of my breeder, which is typically a 20 to 25-minute drive. By some odd miscalculation my travel landed me in her neighborhood 20 minutes early and I was forced to drive around and look at the homes to prevent myself from looking to eager for my appointment. I pulled into the driveway and headed to ring the big doorbell.

Debbie, from Zippity Doodles, has been wonderful throughout this process and helped me to maintain secrecy all the while. When I stepped in the door, I was greeted by none other than Mr. Blue himself! Mr. Blue was the last of the 3 brothers to leave home with a new family and had, apparently, been somewhat lonesome for a short while prior to my arrival. I couldn't wait to hold him. As I stood there in the entryway, I saw him exploring the area and chewing on some carpet padding. That was precisely the moment that a different kind of anxiety set in. As I pondered all of the disasters that could follow, Debbie was delivering invaluable advice, offering well wishes for the future, and trying to get me out of her house! I obliged her unspoken wishes by tossing Ernie into the car next to me and beginning the drive home.

The drive home was nerve-wracking, with Ernie crying the WHOLE way and lots of traffic on I-70. At home, Ernie meticulously inspected every nook and cranny, carefully determining which of the tight, dark places would best suit his furry, little body! He looked in the kitchen, the office, the living room, and the bathroom. He combed the bedroom, dining area, closets, and hidden spaces. After all the effort, he settled for an end table to find a respite from the horrors of the day!

After about 3 hours, which seemed like an eternity, Mom called and said she was on her way home! I quickly grabbed my handcrafted bow for Ernie and attempted to put it on him. Despite all his wriggling, I got it attached and we were ready for Mom to come in the door. When Ernie and I heard Katie coming up the stairs, we got in our position, I got my video recorder ready on my phone and we greeted her at the door. What happened next can be seen here: Meeting Mom Video!!!Ernie loved Katie immediately. In fact, he has loved everyone we've met so far. After a few minutes of joyful playing between Ernie and Katie, I asked her to sit down with me and look at all the things I'd gotten for him in preparation for his arrival. We looked through everything and when Katie had pulled the last thing out of the crate, I asked whether there was anything else in there. She said she didn't see anything else. I panicked for just a moment wondering what could have possibly happened to the other part of Katie's surprise before reaching in and trying hard not to drop it with all my shaking. Katie saw the box, immediately started crying, and agreed to my proposal, even though I hadn't yet given the speech that had kept me up so many night prior! Some tears were shed and plenty of hugs and kisses were exchanged. When it was all over, Ernie calmly strolled over and rest his soft, furry, 12-pound body on both our laps.

Katie, Andy, and Ernie are on a new journey together. It is an adventure that will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges and a multitude of great joys. Don't worry, we'll keep you updated along the way!

[Jennifer]

Loved reading the story. What a wonderful way to propose. Congratulations to you all.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Happy tears here! She was shocked! You did good! Congrats on everything!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

I have been on DK for two years and this is just about the sweetest thing I have ever seen on here!  Congrats to all 3 of you! 

[Phoebe's Mom]

Wow!  You are a keeper and so is the puppy!  What a wonderful story.  I wish you all much happiness on your new journey together.

[Adina P]

Oooooh that is so awesome!  One of the best engagement stories ever =)  A doodle puppy and a ring...what could be sweeter?  Congratulations to the three of you!

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Congratulations! The video made me cry!

[Katie, Andy, and Ernie!]

Thanks, DKers! We're doing really well at our house. Ernie is learning so much and sleeping a lot more! We're getting pretty good at pottying outside, too! It is great to be able to share our successes and frustrations with all of you.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

What a wonderful story and such a happy ending!  Best wishes to all of you.  Can't wait to see the wedding pics with Ernie as the best man! 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

What a wonderfully romantic, thoughtful, memorable way to start this next phase of your life.  I am so impressed - as are about 8,000 other dk members.

[BG and Gavin]

Ernie is soooo cute!  I am glad everything worked out as you planned it.  Him and Katie looked so happy together.  Congratulations on your new journey