No, that’s not a typo in the title. Having fallen victim to the much used adage “be careful what you wish for”, I have abdicated all power and authority to a new arrival in our midst.
We had been pondering for some time whether we should get a “friend” for our 7-year old Labrador Retriever, Queen Abigail. You know, just to get her through the lonely times when we were out and about without her. Not that it was that bad. More likely than not, our trips out were because of her. A walk on the beach, or over to the nice park near us, or the State Park just a few miles away were pretty much daily occurrences. She also has a nice big fenced backyard with a small body of water abutting it for her swimming pleasure. Still, those times when we had to leave her behind and endure those “hangdog” looks were excruciating. I always wondered where that expression came from. The picture below should give you some idea:
You mean you’re going out without me, AGAIN?
Enter Princess Bella. a 10 week-old Cavachon puppy from Gleneden Farms outside Washington, D.C. If you don’t know what a Cavachon is, you’re not alone as I didn’t either. It’s when you breed a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Bichon Frise. It must harken back to olden times when England and France used to arrange royal marriages to solidify their alliance.
Anyway, this is where my New Year’s devolution comes in. It turns out that Bella not only provides Queenie with company, she pretty much now rules the roost as well. Where once I was free to cavort around on my own, watching sports, writing blogs, playing golf and pursuing other hobbies, I am now charged with puppy meals, potty training (including at 2:00 and 5:00 o’clock in the morning) and in general, guarding furniture, clothes and other valuables (including my very person) from the jaws of destruction. Thank goodness Patty thought to get a copy of the book Puppies for Dummies or we’d be lost. However, it is truly a labor of love as she is the sweetest, friendliest, cuddle-bug you’d ever want to meet. One look at that cute face and I immediately forget that I’m standing in the middle of a piddle.
Well, are you wondering if she and Queenie are friends now? I submit the following as evidence:
I wish you all a Happy New Year. As you can see, I will certainly have one!
The Cvillean 
She is a cutie! Glad to see Queenie has taken to her so quickly. Puppy-sitting is a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it. 🙂
A match made in heaven! Glad you found the perfect addition to your family. Hope we get to meet her someday soon.
I’m sure you will. Be sure to bring plenty of band-aids with you.
Bella is Beautiful! I know she will be so loved by her new famiy and Queenie will watch over her!
Yes, Mary, Queenie is really the best big sister ever! She is getting the chance to be a “mom” at last. I know she would protect her if she was ever threatened.
Well, Bella looks like quite the ball! She’s so cute and I’m glad Queenie has a playmate. You, too. You needed a little something to add spice to your life! I bet you really enjoy all those puppy poop wake-up calls. Keeps you on the go… 😉
I’ve had dogs all my life and never once had a puppy. I swear that my record will remain untarnished in that department. Having children and puppies is for the maternally inclined, which we know I’m not. But I’m really great at mending problems other people caused. That’s why I adopted strays and misfits.
Did I say Bella is adorable? 🙂
Yes, Lorna, I too thought my days as a “dad” were well behind me. Queenie was also a rescue situation. Anyway, it’s a barrel of laughs watching these two play together. Bella spends a lot of time climbing on and beating up her big sister, who could easily end it quickly. Something about finally getting to be the mother she never was, I guess.
We’ll have to get Scrappy and Bella together for a “cutefest” sometime.
Wouldn’t that be something? Although, Mr. Scrappy has been acting like quite the grumpy old man these days. He may not take too kindly to being jumped on, even by a sweet vixen like Bella. He’s 11 now. Darn, I hate that they have to age so quickly…
I wouldn’t worry, as much as I’m sure you spoil him, he’ll probably live another 11 years!
With a grumpy old man…thanks, Al!
Oh, I know what you’re saying and I’m not too worried. He probably just got too ruffled over the holiday hooplasHe’s a sensitive guy–kind of takes after his mom that way… 😉
She’s adorable! It looks like she’s settling right in, happy puppy training! 🙂
Thanks, your moral support is much appreciated.
Too cute for words! If you should chance to get tired of her, I’s happily come and collect her from you. 🙂
Thanks for the offer but I wouldn’t want to give my wife the choice of who must go. Unless you have room for me?
🙂
I couldn’t bring up the slide show, but I’ll take your word for how cute it is. As the proud/sometimes frustrated newby parent of a 6-month old puppy, I can only say:
How wonderful for all of you!
or
SUcka!
LOL. Please repeat this affirmation with me…..”dogs add years to our lives”…..”dogs add years to our lives”….
Aw that’s great Al!! It looks like Bella and Queenie are BFF’s. We had a puppy over Christmas/New Year and it did not go as well as yours did. 😦
Happy New Year to you, Patty, Queenie and Miss Bella.
Same to you and yours, Jodi. Was the puppy just a visitor?
The photos made me smile. She certainly seems like a ball of naughtiness, but you can see the warmth and involvement in her as well. I hope you have many years of retrieving pieces of ruined fabric from her clutches
LOL, ducks! I’ll just be happy if I don’t have to trade pieces of my fingers for the fabric.
Cute, cute, cute! Can’t wait to meet her!
You bet. We’ll talk to you soon!
Oh what fun!
It’s a hoot watching them together. The cheapest entertainment on the planet!
I want your dog. Love this little doll. My cousin Anke, who lives in Holland, raises King Charles Spanials and travels all over Europe to show them. Both these breeds are quite old, but who knew you could get such a wonderful new puppy from the mix. Queenie looks very pleased. Have a Happy New Year. I know you will with such a little doll.
If you really, really like her, you can have the 2:00am and 5:00am shifts. Interested?
Oh sure, been there done that. I learned to crate mine. They always slept through the night after a few weeks. Johnny still sleeps in his crate and thinks it is wonderful. Dianne
Yes. We are crate training now. She is doing very well with that, but poetic license dictates that I make the story more adventuresome.
I think I’m in love! She is adorable!
Amazing how one small little creature like that can take over your heart. But then I think you know all about that.
I do. It’s how I found myself married 🙂
When you walk your dog (and are picking up its poop) did you ever wonder if the dog is thinking, “Poop removal? I have people for that.”
Absolutely! In fact, it is impossible to determine whom is the actual owner of whom.
How very cute!
Thanks. Happy New Year, Pseu.
How fun! We hope you have a wonderful New Year!
Sam
The same to you and Monty. You guys look like a lot of fun yourselves!