I have been dreaming about adding to our family for years. It was just never feasible. One apartment didn’t allow for it or have the space, another just had way too many steps to deal with. But now that I own my own home, I thought it was the perfect time to add to our family.

I announced to my family that I was ready to adopt. My parents and children were all surprised but very excited. I talk to some friends about it and they helped me search for the perfect fit. I brought my new 7 pound baby home yesterday. Scout, named after the lead female in “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a rambunctious little Puggle – a Pug/Beagle mix. She is beautiful and sweet. I am head over heels in love with this little puppy.

I met the 10-week-old perfect pup on Monday. On Tuesday the kids and I prepared the house, set up her cage, bought her toys and food and basically baby proofed the house.  I was able to bring her home from the animal shelter on Wednesday. $80 included my beautiful new baby and covered her first set of shots, license and spaying. She was exhausted by the time we got home. She crawled up behind me and fell asleep between my neck and the top of the couch. That might have been the cutest thing ever.

She has been sleeping a lot but when she is awake she is ready to PLAY. She picks her ball up with her mouth, tosses it and then chases it down. It is so funny. I do kind of feel like I have a newborn. She was up at 3 a.m. with poop and pee in her cage. Luckily it was on the pee pee pad so I just changed it, took her outside and put her back in the cage. She cried for about 15 minutes and went back to sleep. But then she was up at 6 a.m. ready to play. I felt like the most horrible mom when I left her locked in her cage today so I could go to work. I really felt like I did when I left my children with a sitter the first time. Luckily my parents are going to check on her today.

My children are so happy. My son can’t stop hugging me and my daughter just smiles and giggles. Hopefully the excitement doesn’t wear off because I am definitely depending on their help with our little girl.

Now it’s the fun part… I have to house break her. She’s already pooped and peed in the house several times. She doesn’t like the cold, wet grass on her paws and just shakes when we are outside. I’ve had animals all but the last 12 years of my life but never had to train an animal because my father always did that. So I need your advice… How did you train your dog? What’s the best book out there? And how do I keep the kids excited about this new adventure?