The Great Pet Debate

This year the kids decided they needed a new cool pet, since Aunt Heather got a turtle. So the Great Pet debate ensued. Neither kid wanted another dog. Olivia wanted to get a cat or a rabbit. Both were vetoed by Dad. Bradley wanted to get a snake, lizard or frog, and wouldn't you guess that Mom vetoed those ideas too. Dad suggested a pet rock, and the kids vetoed that immediately. Mom vetoed hamster, guinea pigs gerbils and any other rodent before the kids asked. I really don't like the nonstop gnawing, So at this point we were at a loss for what to get. Then Mom had a brilliant idea.... Beta Fish. They are pretty, easy and have a short life span. Bradley was on board, in fact he loved the idea. Olivia's was not. Her exact statement was "But I can't cuddle a fish." So the hunt went on. 

Bradley got his Beta and named him Flare.

We had to find a pet the did not eat any live things (bugs, mice and what not), per mom's request. And a snugly pet per Olivia's request. Birds were brought up and quickly crossed off, because "birds are creepy" per Olivia. So after a lot of research on easy pets, we finally decided on a Hedgehog.

Olivia named our hedgehog Clover

I know you are going to call us out on this pet not being snugly, but she is, as long as it is on her terms. She is very cute and lovable addition.

 

 



 

 

 

Piper even loves her, She loves to watch her for hours.....and NO, I do not think she is thinking food, when Clover is out on the ground, Piper hovers like a nervous mommy.

Puppy Love

October 20th Piper became a mommy to 2 little puppies, a boy and a girl. The boy we "nicked named Chunk" was 6.5 oz, the girl we "nicked named Pearl" was 4.5 oz.

The boy is the top puppy and that makes the girl the the bottom puppy.

Piper  and puppies napping (boy on the left, girl on the right).

We spent the next ten weeks loving and caring for these cute little fluffballs, Olivia especially. It is like watching a baby grow up in a short few weeks. First they scooted around with there eyes closed, then their eyes opened and it was such a big deal in our house. Next was their first steps, and just like any baby, trying to keep them out of everything, and keeping everything out of their mouths.

We found good homes for both the puppies right before Christmas. I thought I would have a harder time letting them go, I mean it was fun, but puppies are a lot of work. Unfortunately Olivia has had a VERY hard time with no puppies. You can't even mention "the puppies" without putting her in tears. And mommy??? She is back to her hyper little self.

And puppy makes five

Our newest addition has finally arrived, and while it doesn't seem like that long since Niko has passed, it has been a long time coming since I have wanted a new little puppy.


Piper our little King Charles Cavalier Spaniel joined our family June 9, 2009. At 10 weeks old she was ready to leave her mother and two brothers. Her separation was a lot easier than expected.


She is a cuddler and a fast learner. In the first few days we have had her she has learned fetch, knows the kennel routine and is basically potty trained. Piper also figure out on the first night that if she got on the kids' little chair, then the end table she could get on the couch (the one time we didn't let her up). We moved the chairs but that didn't deter her either. She tried until she could jump on the couch.


It has only been a few days, so I know she still can prove me wrong, but she is the best little puppy. And the cutest, and I may be a little biased on that subject. But one look from her big brown puppy dog eyes will melt any one's heart. I am a proud mama so you will probably hear way too much about little Piper. But how can you resist?





~Amanda