Well, because it’s National Dog Day…
and boy does an 11 lbs of fluffy cuteness run a lot of our day.
Even before I knew what creating a vision of my life really meant, (thanks lululemon circa day 2012 for putting me through formal goal setting), that vision included a King Charles Cavalier. I wasn’t one of those people who had one growing up, but definitely of those people who stops everyone with one to ask 100 intrusive questions. They ALL love their KCCs and most times tell you all about he or she.
Don’t get me wrong, in my 20’s or even early 30s up to now, and even some days, still had not place taking on the responsibility of taking care of an animal and dedicating the time it deserved and needs. I consult, but it’s still a lot of running around some days, so boy has this been a work-adjustment, but in good ways too.
As life evolved, and Jason and I talked about the fact our life was pretty great as is, nothing is really missing. I wanted to be sure he was on board, and I’d never hear “well, you wanted a dog”. I waited until it was a “we” as it effects his life too, not being about to be gone all day without thinking of something else, or traveling on a whim.
So what did have I learned and am still being taught:
All dogs are beautiful
Puppies can never have too many kisses or eye brows that are too long. We’ll start with that. I had work photos already planned, turned out he’s cuter to shoot. Those eyebrows!
No Need To Rush.
I checked out 3 breeders and and the one I went with was thorough, but that says to me she cared, and she went over what I should ask for in anyone saying they have King Charles. My interview was top clearance. I was only able to visit at hours good for the pups and she had a very extensive training for me, prior to him coming home, to set up for a good transition. I mean look at these faces:
Can you pick out Palmer. Me neither. Kidding. He has a spot on his head called a “Queen’s kiss”, that helps.
You become “Those people”
DasAgooBoi (That’s a good boy)
You develop a ridiculous dog voice. Like a baby voice but not even to a person. Just me?
You also refer to yourself in the third person and have full conversations with a dog. Super awesome.
Really awesome dog fail, on a conference call and said “want to come upstairs with Mom”
Naughty Palmer (or bad us)
Dogs that misbehave only have learned from you (or us) so I had to chew on that. He’s probably telling us something. Yelling “no” not the best approach, etc. So next thing I learned…
lamby. Used in OUr home As A RARE Treat. a gift from CArDIFF CAPO - the Dog We Tested the Waters Dog Sitting. Great little guy.
Ask an expert.
I wasn’t just suddenly graced with knowing how to raise a puppy the best for our lifestyle and for him. So one of my friends referred us to a trainer (she’s tough too) who specializes in behavior therapy. It’s helped immensely. Jason and I are almost trained. Funny, but true.
We trust Emily, who serves OC and SD counties: https://www.thedoglistener.net/. She has great videos on her website. Ask your friends who have had a great person, referrals are so helpful.
First walk attempt. He wouldn’t budge. You mean they don’t come knowing how to walk on a leash?
It’s not a child. (or a person)
People actually remind me this. It’s been good practice, keeping me home, meal prepping, caring for it so much you can’t believe it yourself. Guess which parent is going to get up at 4AM if a little one cries. Hint, it’s not Jason. And that is A-Okay. Love = you really don’t mind. Sure use my hand as a pillow, no problem.
It slowed me down. A-lot
We walk in place of running after work. If Palmer needs to go out, play, that takes time, and that’s a blessing. I was working on slowing down for other goals and parts of that vision.
Ego Check
Dog - Bag - Hand. . I
f you forget the second one. You are left with Dog - Hand, and that is not good. Do I leave it? do I borrow a bag? Don’t forget the bag. Picking up poop = ego checked.
Stand outside for a really long time in the rain in March “waiting” so you can say “good potty”. Ego checked again. If you’re in a hurry it will for sure take extra long.
He pees on his leg. Doesn’t phase him. Washing your dog in the sink daily really balances a nice long work day. Ha.
Close Call (s). Yep. Plural.
That time we had a little too much fun with lamb-chop (we as in Palmer) and had to call the 24/7 vet and wonder if he needed help. Boy Problems. Or that time, we thought he ingested a Tylenol. Turns out those fluffy ears hide lots of things and false alarm.
They Don’t Shed
That’s a lie. See below. Buy stock in Swiffer.
Good things take time
Puppies, and all things. Palmer is born on 11/11/18, and I had let a few litters go by and continued waiting, but that date totally made me push it, it was never going to be an idea time! Waiting for a smaller Cav, (he’s only 11. 5 lbs.) but they are usually 14-20 lbs. We travel north a lot so he is able to come (case in point he met some airline attendants and was really excited about it).
GoldeN Girls + Palmer.
Giving
It’s important to me, as he was not adopted at shelter (many friends frown upon it, but route for us, and he’s healthy) to also give. He’s enrolled in a puppy class to visit Senior Living homes, to be pet by people who don’t have visitors. It gives him a “job”. We practice.
Love.
I didn’t know I could love an animal so much. Cheesy and so true. He’s pretty great, and melts my heart to see Jase with him too. I think he may trot off with anyone who tells him he’s cute or has a treat, but I like to think he loves me most, too.
Game changer. Happy National Dog Day. We heart Palmer (after Arnold Palmer, the golfer, (see the blog on how to get husband on board to things)