Angus' First Week (and the Motherhood Preparation)

I'm really not a dog person.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I like dogs.  My first word was a dog's name.  But I like them outside where I can play with them when I want, pet them when I want, and then leave them to do their own thing.  I like to think the dogs like that as well.

Anyway, I've never really raised a puppy.  After having Angus for a week, I've learned a couple of things.  (1)  I think this puppy raising is much more like parenting will be than I expected.  (2)  Puppies (and babies I'm sure) are pretty gross.  (3)  Pregnancy hormones apparently turn girls into dog people despite their best efforts.

Here's a rundown on the first week with this little fella and my thoughts on how this will parallel parenthood.

Day 1:  This puppy is very adorable and cuddly and I just want to hold him.  He slept in his crate but did wake us up crying once during the night.  The Boy from Texas got up and fed him, as was our agreement when we got said puppy.  This parenting thing will be cake.


Day 2:  Angus did excellent on his road trip to New Mexico.  He got into multiple wrestling matches with my brother's puppy, Tank.  After being beaten up for a while, little Angus had enough, broke out a ferocious bark and backed Tank right up.  The Boy from Texas and I were quite proud.  One day, if this happens with our kid on the playground, I figure we'll still be similarly proud, but may have to fake being upset with him.

Day 3:  Angus pooed on my mom's carpet.  Very, very bad no-no.  I had to hold my nose to clean it up quickly before she saw.  I am concerned about my ability to change diapers....

Day 4:  We returned home from New Mexico with no problems.  Angus cried multiple times at night, all of which caused me to get out of bed. That deal between me and my husband went out the window.  This is not boding well for what is to come in less than 3 months.

Day 5:  I hated leaving the poor little guy in his crate and having to be gone at work all day.  I fear this is just a minor taste of how bad it will be to leave a baby with a sitter in a few months....

Day 6:  Angus pooed on the floor first thing in the morning.  The Boy from Texas had already left for work, of course.  Whilst cleaning it up, I got sick.  Of course, I then got to clean that up as well.  It was  NOT a good morning.  Concern about ability to change diapers continues.

When I got home from work, I found another little spot where Angus had issues that morning.  I told The Boy from Texas I just couldn't handle cleaning it up.  He proceeded to do it.  But insisted that I watch so he could teach me what to do.  I'm not kidding.

The vet recommended we put him on canned dog food to mix with the dry until he gets a bit older.  There are few things in life I find more nasty than canned dog food.  Yet here I am, spooning some of this mush into a bowl for a happy puppy who always cleans his plate.

Conclusion:  Parenthood and puppy ownership is likely going to continue to be disgusting.

Day 7:  Angus did very well last night, he woke us up twice, but both times he went right outside to do his business and there were no issues in the crate or house.  High five little buddy! It turns out pregnant lady bladders and puppy bladders are on similar time schedules, so when I get up to go, I just let him out and things work okay. 

And just like that, all the pooing and nasty dog food and crying is out the window and I think he's the cutest, cuddliest little puppy I've ever seen again.  Let's hope the same will be true for our kid.