Get a puppy? Don't get a puppy? I should've predicted how my life would unfold back in March — when we were all first sheltered in our homes and scared to venture out. When April came, I started considering the dog mom thing seriously. By the time May hit, I was actively researching types of breeds and to-dos online.
This mom was officially suckerpup-punched by my own family.
Yup, we got what the world now calls a "quarantine puppy"
"I can do this," I thought
We sent in the deposit. Seven weeks later, we picked up our "Dolly," drove her home in a basket wedged between my daughters in the backseat (she didn't make a peep!), and have been trying to keep her out of my backyard roses ever since.
Our first few weeks with her found me planted outside in my patio all day with her soft little body in my lap and baby jaws nipping my hands because I'd yet to get better chew toys. As I wrote this, she slept under my chair in the kitchen. We are still in the "take her out to potty in the middle of the night" phase, and when I stand outside in my robe and flip-flops at 1 a.m., I try to remember if my parents did the same thing with our family dog 30 years ago?
My daughters are in awe. My husband is acting like a 10-year-old with a new toy.
But the one with all the feelings these days is me
Because, as much as my kids begged for this new family member to join our house, I'm realizing that our new "baby" is actually bringing me much unexpected happiness and productivity. She is proving to be therapy for ME — a sweet new life of distraction to counter everything that has been infuriating and/or agitating my anxiety these past several months. Who knew that I was the one who actually needed this new friend so much?
I am completely exhausted and filled with love and joy. It feels like new mom life all over again — except now my 8- and 9-year-old babies are taking turns to pooper-scoop their new little sister's mess on the lawn. Family life suddenly seems normal — despite feeling so upside-down amid a nonexistent back-to-school season, our favorite local businesses folding, and utter chaos everywhere else.
To hell with the world's dysfunction — for now, anyways. Happiness comes with a brand-new puppy. This latest mom of three finally gets it. No more regrets.
