I’ve been steadily wearing Josh down on the dog thing, poor guy. After we had to put Oliver to sleep, I had the puppy lust even more. When Oliver was alive, we knew that there was no way we could have a dog, because Oliver was grumpy and mean and hated dogs. It wouldn’t have been fair to him, the dogs or fun for us.
Last night we went to “look” at some puppies someone was giving away, and uh…well. Meet Reeses* and Heath.
Yes we got two. Yes, I am insane and yes, I think we’re going to need more puppy toys.
They’re 8 weeks old, border collie/beagle mix puppies. The people who had them still had both parents, along with two other dogs, plus they were keeping one of the puppies, they had two cats, a hamster and three kids. They liked animals.
I don’t think either of us intended to come away with one, let alone two. We really went to “look”. But once we saw how many dogs they’d been living with, we decided they’d be lonely on their own.
So far Brianna is thrilled, our cats (Max and Trish) not so much. Both puppies have peed on the carpet and eaten a ton of food.
Reeses is the darker one with the Rottweiler type coloring. He was the runt of the litter and that was actually what they named him.
Heath is the lighter one and was the little girl’s favorite(she was about 8 or 9). We renamed him to match Reeses.
Both are very social, very friendly and like to lay in laps. Let’s hope they don’t get much bigger than a beagle or that’s going to be a real issue.
The most challenging part of this is going to be getting them on a schedule, so I can get them potty trained and still get some work done. We’re going with the crate training method because really, I can’t imagine not crating them. My vet is closed Mondays and Tuesdays so that will be the next order of business, getting them there, and then I’m going to look into classes for the puppies and me to take.
click here to see more puppy cuteness on their Google Web Album. For those who saw this link before I posted it on my blog, I did add a few pictures.
Oh, and puppy advice is always welcome!
P.S. It needs to be said that my husband is the bomb-diggity.
*I know Reeses is spelled with an apostrophe but I thought that was weird for a dog’s name, so I’m not using it. I felt the need to put that out there because invariably, someone would be compelled to point out the editor’s misspelling.
OMG they’re adorable!! Pups are such a joy.
I have a chihuahua and a boxer now, but I had two beagles growing up, and they loved to wander so keep that front door locked! (I think it’s the hound in them.)
They are adorable! But two? LOL And a preschooler? And two cats? And a full-time job? You are a glutton for punishment! (Ha, only two exclamation points) But, seriously, these two will be worth it. Dogs are so good at giving love. I’m sure you will all be very happy.
PS: What happened to your smilies?
Oh so cute! And two of them! I think the border collie in them will keep you busy. I gather they’re a very active breed.
I read your blog, but don’t always say anything. But for some puppy kisses, I’d do just about anything. Luves me some puppy kisses!
I love the pair idea, they’ll be happier together, and better adjusted. I’d definitely go crate. Wish I could get my mother to listen to that one with her 10 week old Spitz (They’re actually cotton balls on four legs, but cute as anything.)
Cuteness shall reign! LOL
Congrats on the new additions to your family!
They’re too cute!
Congrats on the new additions.
I have puppy envy *blinks*. We have a dog and a cat, much to the hubby’s dismay. The youngest wants a kitten desperately. I want another dog LOL. But I don’t think I’m winning that one.
Two puppies and a preschool LOL. You are one brave brave woman. Good luck and keep us updated.
Congrats on the new babies! They’re so cute.
Beagles and Border Collies – those are going to be some hyper puppies. LOL If they’re not trying to herd you or the cats around, they’ll be tracking them.
Congrats.
On the good side, my hound mix didn’t chew many things as a puppy. Only Kleenex.
But Border Collies are supposed to be really smart.
Get any of the Dog Whisperer books or
there’s another one that came out long before Cesar Milan also called The Dog Whispere that was a big help to me.
Good Luck,
cmr
They are so cute. Man, I love puppies.
Puppies!
But two at one time? You’re mad, woman. LOL!
They are too cute. Good on you for adopting them and your plan to start them on puppy classes. All dogs need their diplomas.
I do not envy the carpet patrol though. Argh! I’m sure you’ll be glad when they’re house broken.
Maria, mama to a rottie and an Australian shepherd.
The crate method worked great for our mutt Emily. She trained fairly painlessly. Unlike dogs we’ve had in the past we started her in puppy training classes as soon as she was old enough.
I’m sure finding the right trainer is essential and I’m almost embarrassed to admit I did very little research and just went with a couple of personal recommends. It worked out great for us. Emily is a gem of a dog.
Not only did your husband get one puppy, but two?!? He is the bomb diggity.
I watch Cesar Milan’s the Dog Whisperer for training advice. He does adult dogs but I’m sure the concept is the same.
Congratulations!
Puppies are a lot of work, but in two or three years when they calm down it will be worth it
My serious advice would be to be aware that two dogs will get into trouble that one wouldn’t even think about. Kind of like kids.
They’ll be great companions to each other, and to you. Enjoy!
Why does Heath look sad in his individual photo?
Here’s hoping Max and Trish cheer up. Have a lovely day!
I think you got out lucky if you made it out with out adopting the two legged “animals”.
I kid. I think.
Too cute! And their names are adorable.
Too cute! I’m so glad Brianna enjoys them too. My three-year-old loves our dogs (who are almost 12 and think he squeals very loudly).
Our Sharpei/Chow mix didn’t chew on much of anything. He enjoyed playing tug-o-war with the braided rope and loved his squeaky cloth dolly. Our Norwegian Elkhound chewed on everything. I mean it — everything! You’ll be able to tell if one of the dogs is a chewer in a couple of months. We bought him a porcupine-ish bone thing, and he never chewed on anything he wasn’t supposed to after that!
Good luck!!!
Oh, they are so cute!!! I just love puppies so much. The names are adorable too.
My biggest bit of puppy advice is Puppy Pads: I don’t remember the exact name of them, but they are basically pads with plastic lining you put on the floor. Make sure you get the one with the scent on it that draws the puppy. It seems strange that you would want to encourage them to pee in the house, but they are going to do it anyway when they’re little so it’s easy to clean up. Gradually you can move the pads closer to the door and then they will associate going to the door with going to the bathroom. We did that with our lab/greyhound mix, and he was house trained in like a month with no accidents anywhere but on the pad after the first day.
Oh they’re adorable. I’m just glad they are YOURS. I got a new puppy in November and have now sworn that I will NEVER get puppies again… adult dogs only. I’ve blogged about my little demon spawn. Is she cute? You bet.
But…
You’re a brave, brave person taking on two! Good luck.
mwahaha
The madness spreads!!!
Mixed breeds are the best and brightest!!
Let me know if you figure out how to get your cats to play nice – Buffy Cat is still trying to kill poor Cloudy whenever we turn our backs
Ahhh, I really want a puppy. We put our baby down last year, she was 15 yrs old. I found one, but DH is being a pain. We’re moving, let’s just wait until we get to DC, blah blah blah.
Freaking common sense, hate it.
Mel
Hi! First time poster here! I saw the puppies and just had to comment on the cuteness!! I love puppies…and puppy breath! (I know it’s weird, but I do) Congrats on the new fur-babies!
When they start chewing like crazy, Kong toys are great because you can stuff some of them with dog treats. I have a few dog training books you can borrow if you’re interested.
For some reason I keep thinking your new “kids” are mimicking you and your husband’s sleep pattern. That’s you shoved up in the corner of the bed while his butt is taking up all the room. Wayyyyyy too cute!
I have to delurk to say that we have a soon-to-be 12 year old beagle/border collie mix. She is the BEST dog EVER. Very smart and very stubborn, but just a wonderful companion.
Best of luck with the new additions to your family!