I had been thinking about getting a dog for a while. I had tossed around the idea in my head thinking am I ready for the commitment and responsibility of being a pet owner? I viewed local rescue adoption listings and found a listing for a rescued yorkie. I was slightly interested in getting to know more about him. I inquired about him and filled out a no obligation application. I learned that he was rescued from a puppy mill shortly after he was born. The rescue thought he was born in mid-February and didn't know much about his parents. I made an appointmentt to go meet him on Saturday, May 19. I wanted to make sure we had compatible personalities before taking him home with me. The minute me and this little 3 pound bundle of joy laid eyes on each other something inside me said it was meant to be. I agreed to be his mom and promised to take good care of him.
On our way home we stopped at Petsmart where his spoiling began. I bought the best puppy food, toys and doggie bed money could buy. He was timid and looked terrified the entire time we were in the store. I never heard him make a peep. He looked around at the world with his big brown eyes in complete wonder.
I got my new puppy home and introduced him to his new house. We walked around the kitchen and living/dining room. He didn't quite understand stairs yet so I carried him to the upstairs where we spent hours exploring. I loved him immediately.
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| Terrified Little Pup! (3.5 pounds) |
After several hours of referring to my new friend as hey you, handsome and baby it was time to give my little guy a name. I loved his big ears and immediately thought of buddy the elf, Dumbo and yoda. I vetoed those names immediately. My mom liked Toby, which I also liked but it just didn't fit. Oliver popped into my head and the minute I said it out loud he immediately sat up and looked at me. It didn't take long to realize his satisfaction with the name I had chosen.
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| My toys are bigger than me! |
I stayed home from work the first Monday I was supposed to leave him alone. I didn't have the heart to leave him alone. We spent the day hanging out and getting used to each other’s company. He was still pretty scared of stairs, my bed, his food... but he loved being outside. He would run around with his ears and tail pointed towards the sky for as long as I would let him. Several days went by and we played more and more. With lots of play comes one tired pup! Some days I had to carry him up the stairs because he was soo tired. I couldn't help but take pictures of him sleeping. He's so sweet.
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| One Tired Oliver |
I had Oliver for about a month and he had gained 0.7 pounds. He was looking healthy and better than ever except for the hair in his eyes. I decided to give him his first "puppy trim." I gave him a bath and trimmed the hair around his eyes and ears. Isn't he handsome?
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| My First Haircut! (4.2 pounds) |
Last week Oliver started puppy school! He is so good with other dogs and never ever barks! We have been working on sit, stay, watch me and greeting friends politely (aka no jumping, barking or licking). He is doing pretty good but still needs some reminding. He is doing okay on his potty training. He has had some accidents but it is mostly my fault. We have a good time at school and I think he really enjoys interacting with other dogs!
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| First Day of School |
Having a puppy has been a tremendous amount of work! He keeps me on my toes, I have to follow him around everywhere he goes making sure he doesn't go potty in the house or chew on my favorite pair of shoes. I get up every day at 3am to take him outside to go potty. I get up early to make sure he gets breakfast and goes potty before I go to work. He gets to eat, sleep and pee before I do and always gets a tremendous amount of attention and love. He's also got 3 new outfits, a bowtie and dog spa package! He's a spoiled little doggie but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love him so much!!
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| Playing with Mom |
I am glad I made the decision to bring him home with me that beautiful Saturday. He's given more reasons to smile and laugh. I am pretty sure this friendship is meant to last!
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| Whitney + Oliver = Best Friends For Life |
