It’s hard to move on after you lose someone you love – including pets.
After we had to put Padme down last year, we’ve looked at other puppies to fill the void.
But, it’s been more of a passing glance sort of thing instead of actively pursuing a new dog.
Besides, mom has always been particular about her taste in dogs and she’s not one who we can convince to change her mind that easily.
That being said, my sister Ashlee came home late Saturday night to surprise us.
And not just with her presence – she brought a Cocker spaniel puppy for Mike since Padme was his go-to walking companion and he’s been missing her the most out of all of us.
Needless to say, we weren’t prepared for a puppy, but loved this one the minute we were able to hold her.
Her name is Penelope, but, we’re going with the nickname “Penny.”
The name works two-fold because it’s cute and she’s also got ginger and copperish-looking spots of color.
Apparently, that color is termed as a “red and white” sort of pattern.
It gets trickier the more you have to decide how the pattern of colors fits together.
In fact, there are roughly 24 different types of colors and patterns that Cocker spaniels can come in and I’m not about to deep-dive into that cavern of information.
Or, provide you with any speculation.
Suffice to say that we weren’t ready for puppyhood again, even though it’s been roughly a year since we had a second dog.
After a nice, quiet day after her arrival, Mom and Mike learned the hard way that puppies don’t like to be kenneled at night.
In fact, they asked me when I woke up Monday morning if I’d heard the dog and I was glad to reply that I hadn’t.
My room is clear across the house and with the box fan helping to circulate air at night, I don’t hear much of anything if it’s too far away.
That being said, mom has threatened to put the kennel and Penny in my room, but I remind her that she’s their dog and by extension should sleep in their room.
Sure, I help take Penny out to potty and walk around a bit, but until she’s a few weeks older my job doesn’t really start.
Ashlee and I agreed that I would be training the puppy some basic commands and right now I’m just waiting to make sure she’s used to her name before I add any other commands.
We’re going for having her understand how to sit, stay, and a few other choice phrases or words.
So far, she’s getting feisty and letting more of her personality shine through and while it’s mostly adorable, some of the antics could become a problem when she gets older.
For example, she’s teething a lot and has taken a liking to our toes and some computer cables.
So, naturally, we’re trying to provide her with alternatives and find a way to corral her without having to kennel her.
Mom has already invested in a puppy playpen and snuggle buddy plush.
The playpen is self-explanatory and the snuggle buddy is in hopes of helping Penny sleep at night since it has an artificial heartbeat that’s supposed to help with puppy anxiety.
We’ll just have to wait and see if it works when it arrives via Amazon this week.
