Baylee Fulks

Well, we did it.

We got a dog!

Getting a dog was something I've always wanted.  I've looked at people running or hiking with a dog and I'd think to myself, "I want that.". Now that I bring Kaylee along to most of my runs and hikes I really want a dog to be with us, especially if Curtis isn't. And it's not because I have this false sense of security that a dog would protect us, but I believe it would certainly be a deterrent for anyone or thing to bother us.  

Curtis and I have tried twice in the past to have a dog. The first time was bad timing. The second was bad allergies. Third times the charm, right?

After our lose a couple of months ago, the "I want a dog" came back with a vengeance. Was it my way to cope or just an excuse to get a dog, who knows. It didn't help that Kaylee really wanted a dog too, and at that point it was difficult to be talked out of getting one. Curtis, the more logical and rational one between the two of us, wasn't anti-dog, but he wasn't like, "YES! Let's get a dog!". He requested that we wait until he was off for summer break, when he had all the time and none of the worry an stress of work. It was a reasonable request but I am sure I pouted.

Curtiss' other concerns were the family's allergies, cleaniness of the house, dog hygene. So, to address the issue I created a cleaning calendar, a chore list of sorts.  There is something I have to do every day so that I stay on top of the chaos of 3 humans, 2 cats, and 1 dog.  A load of laundry, wash and put away.  Dust, vacuum, mop.  Clean all bathrooms.  Etc, etc.  As I type this, I realize that I need to add in a dog maintenance schedule: wet bath, dry bath, clean teeth, clean ears, trim nails, wash bedding, brush.  Okay, back to Curtis's issues. Allergies were/are a big concern.  To control allergies we sought after a short hair dog.  We have also agreed upon that the dog is not allowed on furniture or upstairs.  And I cannot forget the weekly bath and daily brushing (thanks to my schedule I'll make).

So, tomorrow it will be a week.  And each day is getting easier, and it wasn't overly difficult to start with.  Baylee is an amazing dog.  She goes potty where we want her to.  She sleeps overnight (10:30pm-5:30am) in her crate most nights.  She allows us to handle her, she allows Kaylee to carry her, she is getting the hang of sit, is improving her leash walking, and isn't overly concerned with the cats.  We have had an issue with Baylee believing that Kaylee is her litter mate.  So we are working on that.  

July 26, 2013

I'm a little behind on my posts. I started this post in June. So, an update. Well, it is getting easier, just a little bit. Baylee is learning her place, behaves well in the house, wants to play with the cats, gets along with other dogs, minimal barking, knows sit, is a favorite at the vet, likes to eat scrambled eggs and blueberries, good with other people, tolerates baths and ear cleaning (still need to brush her teeth), walks/run pretty well next to bike and jogging stroller, can pull a scooter with Curtis on it, enjoys 3 walks a day plus play in the backyard,  travels well, and overall just wants to be around her people. Baylee is currently bring treated for mites. At her last vet appointment she weighed 17lbs. When we got her in June she weighed 10.5lbs. 

It has been a huge adjustment. And even though it has added more daily chores and monthly expense, I don't regret bringing Miss Baylee into our family.

First day home.

Used to fit in the cat carrier.

Likes ice.

Riding in the car.

Loving on Baylee.

Cuddling with my old doggie.

Loves to have her belly rubbed. 

Nap time.