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! 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

And they lived happily ever after......

Thanks so much for this update...I think of you often and wonder how you're managing.

[Becka]

I think your new normal sounds extraordinary. AnnaBelle is such a cutie--she looks a lot like Sadie as a puppy--fluffy and not yet very poodly.

[BG and Gavin]

Loving your new normal.  Congratulations on juggling the needs of all three doodles amid less than ideal circumstances.  Your pictures are adorable ;)

[GBK]

What a wonderful update :)  They are adorable together.  Love the puppy smile in the last photo.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

How lovely!  I am sure everyone misses Honey, but you are right, there is now a new "normal" and everyone's routine will once more fall into place.  Thank you for such a lovely pictorial of the day!  

[F, Calla & Luca]

Wonderful series of photos on the new normal and the new sisters. Enjoy them

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

I do like the phrase "new normal", it seems to be a more positive way to accept change (wanted or unwanted) :-)
You did such a great job taking care of Honey - physically, socially, and mentally. She is much more healthy and ready for the surgery and recovery to come, thanks to you and your DH!!!

[Adrienne]

I love all of the photos, especially the one of AnnaBelle taking cover under Dear  Ol' Dad.  The "new" normal sounds like a great place to be :)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Wonderful update. I am so happy you are finding joy in sweet AnnaBelle.  And I really do thank you for all you have done for Honey.  How selfless.

[Karen and Bridget]

Great update.  It sounds like your new normal is going to be fantastic!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Welcome to your new "normal" and how sweet it is already!  AnnaBelle is adorable and I think she and Lucy will be the best of friends/sisters:)  Sheri you are an amazing Doodle Mom!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sheri, at the time, I felt a little bad that the Lucy didn't really get a chance to meet and adjust to Annabelle one on one,  without a foster there, as the dynamic is very different between three dogs than it is with two. Now I'm wondering if Honey's being there didn't make it easier. What do you think? 

Now you get to focus on your "new" puppy, lol! I'm looking forward to seeing lots of photos and posts as Annabelle grows and the sisters develop their relationship!