One day you wake up and the puppy madness is over

[Stacy]

Just a word of encouragement to those who are currently going through the puppy impossibles. There was no sleep. I had holes in all my pants and sleeves. She had gone through countless shoes, macbook cords, and almost exactly a year ago I was whining because she took the remote for the tv out through the dog door. And now she is just the best dog. I don't know what I would do without her. She walks nicely on a leash. She's a dream at the off leash dog park. She snuggles, she lets me hug on her, she sleeps at night, she pees outside. I don't even know when or how it happened. 

And amazingly, I seem to have almost forgotten how hard it all seemed. Because I have puppy fever and I want to do it again! It's not the right time and I satisfy the longing with other people's impossible puppies, but puppy breath is so sweet. 

So hang in there puppy people. All that time and energy you invest right now will come back and reward you later. It's definitely not always easy, but I'm so glad she's my kid.

[Amy and Annabelle]

I couldn't have said it better. I remember Annabelle's first Christmas, she was 4 months old. My visiting out of state daughter, who loves animals and having pets, thought I was crazy for having her, as did my husband. She was at the height of her naughtiness at the time. My daughter flew back home with a wool sock that had a big hole in it as well as 2 pairs of pants that also had Annabelle's handy work. I would have fixed the sock for her, but she said she wanted a reminder for if she ever got puppy fever. Annabelle will be 2 in August and you would never know she is biologically the same dog that she was that Christmas. She even sits still like a pro, while I brush her teeth.

[Stacy]

Annabelle and Katie are right there together. She'll be two in August as well. Chewed up socks and pants would never have cured me of puppy fever. Loving on Katie keeps me from needing a puppy right this second, but I think I was born with puppy fever! Still, isn't it so much more fun when they aren't little puppy monsters??? 

[Amy and Annabelle]

I have second dog fever. It doesn't have to be a puppy, it could be a rescue or rehome. Although I do look at the puppies on breeder websites every day. My daughter has always rescued her pets, but she thought maybe one day she might get a puppy.

When is Katie's birthday? Annabelle's is August 8th.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

How awesome. Sounds like she is a great doodle, but you are a great doodle mom too.
Always train for the adult dog you want to have.
(Not to cause trouble, but our second doodle experience has been awesome).

[Stacy]

Oh, I am so tempted! I stalk my breeders site often, and she has puppies and I feel that pull... But then I remind myself that it would be so much harder to travel and hike and camp with two. Maybe if I had two people and two dogs it would be more realistic. And I have a new house with new carpet and a dog who is totally potty trained. I don't think I'm ready. But there will be a time when I can't talk myself out of another one!

[Cynthia Shoe]

The title of your post made me laugh, because I woke up crying because of my pup again. I keep thinking we are getting closer, but then we go backwards again... Hopefully I will feel the same way you do soon! 

[Stacy]

You will get there! There was a time when I truly thought I brought home a shark instead of a puppy. All those sharp little teeth. And I couldn't walk down the hall without her hanging off my pant leg. She would also stealth chew stuff up when I was sitting 3 feet away from her. That dog is quiet and sneaky! But now the worst is behind us and it's easy to forget all the times I was pulling my hair out. They do grow up. 

[Amber Anderson]

Ditto, I cried twice Tuesday from biting frustrations..but not my pants..my face!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

SO true Stacey!  I remember the thrill of bringing my boy...and then the smiles that on some days turned to exhaustion and tears ... yes, many tears. But just like children, one day your pup is all grown up...and you know you put in a lot of training hours but you still don't know when it happened :) Your BFF, your buddy, your heart -- just a look forms a precious communication between you.  He knows what's his and what is not.  Last night for the first time in forever, Finn was struck with the "zoomies."  Zoomies were a nightly affair as a pup.  Now he's 6 and I laughed so much watching him fly from the bed to the floor and around the house.  A rare occurrence now.

[Stacy]

Yes! I love how we speak the same language now. And when she puts her little head in my hand and doesn't try to bite my fingers off. Katie still gets the zoomies. She will still steal a sock because keep away is such a fun game, but she also gives it back. And there are lots of times when we can just sit together and hang out. She is my bestie. And it was all so worth it!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks for giving others the hope to just hold on a while longer!  I am having puppy fever also.  What a pain!

[gigi d]

Oh wow this gives me such hope!, around what age did you find this happened?!

Thanks for the inspiration! lol