Well, things were just starting to get a little too quiet around here (haha), so we decided to get a new puppy! Actually, after a recent break-in and a questionable home delivery, I started to think we needed a protector! After some research, we decided a german shepherd would be a perfect fit. Protective, great with children, loyal, extremely smart. So, on Saturday we made the trek to Bowling Green, MO and found the perfect match for our family. After narrowing the name choices to Rex, Max, Gus (or Gus Gus as Owen wanted), Lennie (Emma's suggestion), Charlie, and I can't remember the others, Charlie was the name we all decided on.
Charlie instantly bonded with the family. When the kids were at grandma's that first night home, he cried and looked for them. That first night was a bit rough. Charlie had never been inside and definitely never stayed in a kennel before! But he is a fast learner and is already doing a great job at potty training. He even slept in his kennel for 5+ hours straight last night. Woo hoo! It feels a lot like having a newborn around. The kids were actually amused that Charlie's birthday is one day before their cousin Evelyn was born. Of course, he already weighs more than she does at a whopping 15 pounds.
Brendan loves to help out with the dogs (Charlie plus Sierra, 11 years old and NOT a protector). He loves to walk Charlie, helps feed the dogs and is careful not to forget Sierra in all the hub-bub.
Emma LOVES dogs. She has said she wants to be a vet when she grows up for at least the last year. She makes sure to love on the dogs whenever she gets the chance and is always talking to them. She gives him his toys and plays with him.
Owen loves to run with Charlie. It is really cute to see Charlie run after Owen. They should hopefully help tire each other out! It's a good thing german shepherds will let children climb all over them because Owen is a rough boy and definitely needed a dog that wasn't fragile!
Claire loves the idea of Charlie. She thinks he is so cute. She has a harder time playing with him because he is a puppy and still a bit rough. I think he nipped her once and since then she has kept her distance. I know as Charlie gets better at controlling his rough play that she'll be just as happy with him too.
Sierra (our 11 year old dog) is doing pretty well with the new addition. She's curious about him especially when he whines, not happy when he tries to eat her food, and will play with him only on her terms and for not near as long as he would like. Otherwise though it has been so far, so good.
Ahhh, the sound of chaos at the Alberty's! Two parents, 4 children, 2 dogs and a hamster. I feel better already:-)
