A year ago I wasn’t expecting to bring another dog into my home. Cubbie and I had a good routine going. We were two peas in a pod. I knew what he wanted, when he wanted it. It was almost always just the two of us.
Then I saw a picture of Teddy’s litter-mate up for adoption. I showed that picture to my mom, and she was considering adopting the puppy. My co-worker Nikki Newbrough also saw the photo, and we talked about it at work. She and her husband were talking about getting another dog.
Nikki went to the shelter first, met Oscar, and adopted him. Oscar’s litter-mate was still available. I hadn’t seen a picture of him, but my parents were possibly interested in adopting him instead. I was in contact with the shelter (as was my mom) from the beginning so they knew we were interested in adopting.
It was Friday, October 26, 2012. My mom and I had been chatting about the puppy, but we didn’t want to bring another dog into the family unless he got along with Cubbie. It was almost time for the shelter close. I thought about just waiting until the next week to see the puppy, but something was telling me to go that night. After talking to my dad on the phone and talking to the shelter, I decided I’d bring the puppy home with me for the weekend to see how he got along with Cubbie.
I still remember picking him up from the shelter. He was so small and furry and quiet. I wasn’t done with work yet, so I took him back to the station with me for about an hour. Then it was time to go home.
I remember walking through the door very curious to see how Cubbie would react. He’s always loved other dogs, but those dogs weren’t living in his house. I could tell Cubbie was excited to “play.” He would often forget he wasn’t a tiny puppy anymore. Teddy was a little apprehensive, but they both seemed to be okay.
I was not used to having two dogs in the house. Two dogs to feed, two dogs to potty, two dogs to give attention to, two dogs under my feet.
My original plan was to put Teddy in a box with blankets for that first night. But just like Cubbie didn’t want to be left alone the first night I brought him home several years before, Teddy also didn’t want to be alone. I quickly took him out of the box and let him sleep in bed with Cubs and me. That was the first of many nights to come.
Watching the dogs play together the next day, and watching Teddy explore everything for the first time made me realize I couldn’t let this pup go. The plan was just to see if he got along with Cubbie, but the plan quickly changed. I won’t pretend it was easy having a new puppy again after more than six years, but I loved Teddy right away. I couldn’t imagine letting him go, whether that was to live with my parents or to go back to the shelter to find another home. I knew he was meant to be with Cubbie and me.
A year ago I was adjusting to life with two dogs, Cubbie was adjusting to having a little “brother,” and I was setting my alarm clock to wake up every three hours during the night to take Teddy outside to go potty. (I don’t miss that!)
I know Teddy has “grown up” the last year, but I didn’t realize just how much until I was looking back at his puppy photos. I can’t believe how fast the last year has gone by! My puppy isn’t a puppy anymore, but he’s become such an amazing dog. He loves to cuddle, he loves to give kisses, he loves tug-of-war, and he loves being Cubbie’s shadow. I have never regretted bringing him into my home and into my heart.
I was always worried about upsetting Cubbie by bringing another dog into my home, but I can’t imagine my life without both of them. Cubbie is a great role model, and I think Teddy helps keep Cubs young. Sometimes I feel like the odd one out since because the two of them are so close, but I’m all right with that.
I loved it when it was just Cubbers and me, but I love it even more with the three of us.
October 2012
October 2013
