Thanks

I just wanted to write a little post to say thank you to everyone who helps me take care of Lola. She spends a lot of weekends with mom and dad, with her puppysitters Jake and Sarah or Mitchell and Alex, she plays with Pip and Will, snuggles with Maddie, hides from Rosie, hasn't totally figured out what to do with Minnie yet, jumps on all grandparents and dances with Craig. I definitely couldn't have a puppy without all of the help from everyone and I just really really appreciate it! I'm so lucky that I have so many people around me who are so kind and caring and helpful and I just wanted to say thank you! And post some cute pictures of Lola... obviously...

#7

The number 7 reason to adopt a dog is because adopted dogs can do this:

REASON #7 TO ADOPT!

And that is the single best news story I've seen all week!

I want to send Lola for her 2nd Birthday! Do you think that's allowed?

DOGIGATOR

Are you ready for potentially the SCARIEST thing you'll see all month? 

Lola's Halloween costume came in the mail today and we just had to try it on. Now I dare you to tell me she's not the cutest dog/alligator you've ever seen!

 SO.EXCITED.FOR.TRICK.OR.TREATERS.

...let the countdown begin...

Lola's new chair

Some of you may remember my first foray into Ikea chairs. I purchased two white chairs from Ikea for the living room (the Tullsta model). In retrospect white was a poor choice and Lola promptly ate one of them. The other one, however, survived quite well and Lola adopted it as her snuggle spot. In case you forgot what that looks like here's some photographic evidence. It was time for a facelift when Craig was here last weekend so we headed to our favorite spot and decided to replace the Tullsta among a few other things. Also I feel it's important to mention that for clarity all of our Ikea furniture is now being called by it's Ikea name. We have an Ektorp or two, a series of Hemnes (which Craig unromantically dubbed 'Herpes') and even an Asele and the skoghall (although I forget the spelling). Along with this mass migration of stuff from Ikea into the house, Tullsta moved upstairs and was replaced with the new dark brown/grey Ekenas! I wasn't sure how Lola would take the change but apprently she has no qualms giving up the white chair. She also hasn't shown any desire to chew on this one so there may be another Ekenas in the future...

#8

Ok I'm sorry that the whole 'ten reasons to adopt a dog' thing kindof fell off but I promise that it's important and I will continue until I get down to #1! Which brings me to #8:

 It's Cheap

 Now this may sound unromantic but for under $300 I got a puppy who was fixed, microchipped, and had her first two rounds of shots. I also got a free vet check and a return policy AND rented a kennel so she would have somewhere to sleep while she was still small before I got her a big dog kennel. Not only did I save money, but that allowed me to spend fairly indiscriminately on things like emergency vet visits (2 at $90/visit) lots of food ($40/bag) toys and treats (it's embarrassing how much I spend) and all sorts of other things like benadryll and hypoallergenic shampoo. Not to mention replacing all the things she destroyed (it's fine I didn't like that furniture anyway). And you know what? I would've spent the money either way... but I feel good knowing that everything I paid for Lola went directly to her care, and helping other puppies like her. Or at least went into the pockets of someone who gave her a chance when someone else wouldn't.

Give a puppy a chance! adopt! 

Honey Bunches of Oats

Things have been going very well in the Lola-Haley household. This weekend I went to Rhode Island to spend time with Craig and his family and also to meet Harley. Harley is Craig's-brother's-but-now-mostly-Craig's 8 year old english bulldog. I think he looks kindof like a furry yoda and he sounds kindof like a garbage disposal. He's a sweetie though and I'm glad I got to meet him because he might be moving out here when Craig does! While I was gone Lola was at the scooby shack and then picked up by mom and dad who were so kind to take care of her. Lola always loves going to their house and I always get the greatest pictures in return. Case in point? Lola's breakfast of champions: