A new addition to the family

By Staff
Melissa Dozier-Cason
In last week's column, I talked about adding to our family by getting a dog this year.
When I wrote those words, I did not realize how quickly that goal would be obtained because we really hadn't started looking for a new pet yet.
My family unexpectedly met our new puppy, Brownie, last Saturday when we went to a relative's house. My kids fell in love with this dog, and I must admit the little guy melted my heart as well.
After leaving the dog with its owner, my boys were sad, and asked why Brownie could not come live with us. I explained that Brownie did not belong to us, and that just because we wanted him did not mean our relative would just give him to us. My boys were satisfied with my answer but I could tell they were a little sad.
The next day, New Year's Eve, as Jimmy was getting ready to go back to work, we got an unexpected phone call. Jimmy's relative-the dog's owner-decided that he did not want the dog because he is an inside dog, and his wife did not want him to make a mess in her house.
I quickly told him we would take him, and I have not had a full night's rest since. This dog, although cute, is not house broken and keeps me up at night.
Until Thursday night, I made him sleep in the boys' playroom at the end of the house because I did not want him roaming around the house while we slept, and I figured with the room being so far away, we would not be able to hear him bark or whine. I was wrong. He starts barking around 2 a.m., and doesn't stop until he gets out of the room.
Finally Thursday night, I let him sleep in the floor of my bedroom.
I must admit he was much quieter, but he slept under my bed, and I am afraid to see what he chewed up under there.
I will be cleaning under my bed very soon.
Other than keeping me up at night, and using my hardwood floor as a toilet, the dog is great. My youngest, Cameron, tries to carry him around like a baby, and then questions why the dog runs the other way when Cameron comes calling. My oldest, Jordan, likes him but is too busy playing video games to really care.
For the most part, the dog follows me around like…well a lost puppy. He likes to be cuddled and loved, and he is so fluffy and smells good after I put baby powder on him. It's like having a baby that you can leave at home when you go out.