Family Planning

Baci was an “unplanned” puppy. Her person-to-be was wandering through an outdoor market, spotted a basket of furry adorableness and the rest is dogstory.

When I met with Baci’s person for the first time last week I gently pointed out that … perhaps … she should done some … “lifestyle inventory” prior to bringing Baci home. She didn’t have any of the equipment necessary for a new pup, and she didn’t know about the mechanics of crate training, potty training or socialization. (Now there’s a candidate for my Puppy DVD!)

Baci’s person admitted that her common sense was momentarily short-circuited by puppy cuteness. (I feel you sister… we almost became a 3-dog household last year when I met this bit of puppy perfection. My logical, sensible, immune-to-puppy-face Hubby kyboshed me.)

Baci’s person now realizes that she has a lot of catch-up work to do.

Indeed.

Bringing a new puppy home is a huge, life altering decision. Dog guardianship touches every aspect of your life in ways you can’t imagine until you’re waking up at 2AM for the millionth potty trip. Bringing a puppy into your world requires a thoughtful inventory of your lifestyle, finances, home life and yes, sanity. Trust me, you’ll be driven slightly mad by any number of typical puppy challenges like household destruction, potty training or nipping.

The good news is that Baci’s person is ready to soak up all she needs to know about raising a happy, healthy puppy.

And Baci? Oh, he’s perfect.