Peg’s Journal

First off, I want to THANK everyone for all the incredibly helpful comments and emails regarding puppy/potting training. Crate training proved to be tough for us. Cookie wouldn’t stop crying. I tried to be strong, but eventually caved. After having access to the entire downstairs when she first arrived, the tiny crate seemed like punishment. So we moved her into the kids’ old playpen. She’s seems quite content in there. She has enough room for her bed, toys, food, and potty pads. We take her outside every 2-3 hours to do her business and play.

We have our good and bad days. On a good day, she’ll be sweet, “accident”-free, and playful. On a bad day, she’ll bark incessantly, display aggressive behavior towards the kids, and/or sneak away while playing with Ashlyn to take a crap in our upstairs bedrooms. We have more bad days than good.

We’ve encountered more than just housebreaking woes. Over the weekend, Cookie attacked and bit my friend’s daughter. Luckily, the bite did not break skin, but gave everyone quite a fright. Cookie doesn’t like strangers, and dislikes kids even more. My heart feels heavy as I struggle with the possibility of giving her up. I try to remain strong and patient, but something doesn’t feel right. We’re a social family….our Cookie’s personality is not.

looks are so deceiving, huh?

*sigh* I feel awful. I made such a hasty decision without putting much thought into things. All I saw was her adorable cuteness. Now I’m torn. Will she’ll grow out of the possessiveness and aggressiveness? Aren’t dogs the most friendly and carefree when they’re puppies? She’s only 2 months old and she can get scary mean. I worry for my kids. *sigh* I need Cesar Millan.

Tags: Cookie, puppy

Meet Cookie -the newest addition to our family!
We named her that because she’s tiny and golden and sweet and you just want to gobble her up! That, and the fact that all the other names that the kiddies picked out (ie..Goldielocks, Gingersnaps, and Kellyclarkson) were too long.

We got her yesterday…on a total whim. As we were walking out of Home Depot, the kiddies spotted the cute puppies. We went up to say HI and pet them (as we always do when we see dogs in public). As we were petting them, the smiling owner said with a nod, “$100″. For a second, it went over my head, then I leaned to Aric and whispered, “I think he’s selling them”.
Long story short, we rescued Cookie from a Hispanic couple outside of Home Depot for a hundred bucks. Quite a steal since adopting a pet from the shelter can cost way more. OMG!…what an impulse buy. Goes to show you the lengths I go to for what I consider a good bargain.

Then reality set in….when she peed on me twice during the car ride home. I love dogs, but to be honest, I’m kind of freaking out. What was I thinking taking on such a responsibility?!
In the last 24 hours, she’s been peeing and pooping everywhere, whimpers whenever I leave the room, and wants to be held constantly. I’ve accidentally stepped on her twice already…her yelps alarm me, and I end up falling down myself. I think we just need to get used to having her and being more careful.

I’m taking her to the vet later to find out what type of Chihuahua mix/breed she is. Find out how old she is (lady said nine weeks, but I suspect that Cookie might be younger), and to get her checked out.

Anyhow…we got a new baby in this house and she is absolutely the cutest little thing!

Tags: Cookie, puppy