Oh George!

For years, James and I wanted to add a dog to our home. But, since we both worked, we decided it would be unfair for the dog to be in a crate everyday. Periodically, the boys would ask for a puppy and we would tell them that someday we would get one.

That "someday" came Sept 1, 2010. It was my very first day of being a stay-at-home mommy. I packed the kiddos up in the Honda and drove the 4 hour round-trip to OK to adopt George. He was a 4 month old, yellow lab. The kiddos instantly fell in love. I signed the paperwork, but we had to wait until the following day to pick him up because he had to have a special "boy surgery" before the shelter would release him. So yes, the next day, I drove another 4 hours to pick him up. Insane? Maybe. But, I did it for 3 kiddos who were adjusting to not going to daycare anymore and needed a new friend.

In previous posts, I've mentioned that I didn't grow up with dogs so let me reiterate this detail. I had NO idea the amount of attention these creatures from God require. Some days he is more exhausting then all 3 kiddos combined. When he was adopted, he wasn't potty-trained. James researched potty-training options and we decided it would be great for him to ring a cow-bell to let us know when he needs to go outside. Since our backyard is not fenced, I have to walk him outside each time. The cow bell hangs at the bottom of our steps in our foyer. Let me tell ya, sometimes, I am not the biggest fan of being a servant to a cow bell.

It did not take him long to learn the purpose of the bell nor did it take him long to realize that every time he rang the bell, it was an immediate way to go outside. I can't begin to count all of the conversations I've had with that dog while walking him outside just for him to smell a rock or chase after a leaf. "George, you are driving me crazy!" George, go potty now!" "George, I need to go fix dinner, hurry up!" Of course, he loves to ring the bell at the most inopportune times i.e. taking Samara potty, putting a kiddo in time-out or the rare moment I get to sit down in the morning.

I do have to say that walking George throughout the day can be a humbling experience. My daily attire no longer consists of well-groomed hair, application of make-up, or a cute clothing ensemble. Instead, my hair is pulled back, no make-up on, and I wear lounge pants with T-shirts. Watch out, here comes a Sexy Mama walking her dog ;)

However, this week, I had to laugh a few times at my walking outfits. With there being several inches of snow, I didn't want the bottom of my pants to get wet so I tucked them into my warm, fuzzy, thick, TALL socks (mostly have been a bright, hot pink color so there is no chance of missing those!). I am also bundled up in my super warm coat with a fur hood and a classy, pink plaid scarf. At that moment, I am rockin so many different styles! Fortunately, George is not a fan of the sub-zero wind chills so he is all about doing his business and then getting his paws in a nice warm house. I don't mind this one bit because a) I'm freezing and b) I look absolutely ridiculous and want to get inside before anyone sees how crazy I look.

This whole dog experience is worth it though when one of the kiddos gives him a hug and tells him how much they love him. The sacrifices we make for those dearest to us!