There's a Possibility

Life with Bubbles is... rather busy.

She is a good girl with a lot of energy! I have learned a lot from TikTok videos on puppy training.  Some of the things I have actually used and have been successful with.  Like potty training.  From the first day she was here, I have taken her outside just about every hour, religiously. Treats are offered, no matter  how small the tinkle. Within days she was 90% potty trained. Now, she is about 98% - however - she leaks when someone she loves surprises her and she gets excited. That's not real often, but still.  Gary said maybe I should return her since she leaks.  

No way! I'm sure he was just kidding.

I was nervous about starting the winter of my life with a puppy being a part of it.  I convinced myself that I'd never sleep again. My life would not be my own. I would be servant to another dog. Forever.

But the emptiness left by Gracie's absence gnawed at me and I knew - be it as it may - I had to have a dog to love.  God knew too.  It's why this little girl came to us at exactly the right time.  I am amazed at how God works in my life, though I should not be at all surprised.  He knows me better than I know myself. 

Bubbles disposition can be described as: Bubbly, loving, sweet, cuddly, smart, and ornery.

Going to the vet with her first ear infection

She is totally attached to me! She can be in a deep sleep, and if I quietly leave the room she is up and ready to plop down wherever I end up, so she can watch me.  I cannot hardly believe that she allows the separation at night, as I put her in her living room 'pen' which we call Bubbleville, and she stays there without a whimper through the night. I had better be ready at 5:30 - 6:00 AM to be up and ready for the day, because by then she is needing to potty. 

So the question remains.  Do angels have 4 paws?  There's a possibility.

Puppy Love

Bubbles 'says' she looks nothing like her sister, Gracie.  In looking back at Gracie's picture at the same age, I can see that there are some differences.  The first picture is Gracie, all the rest are Bubbles.

Gracie had longer ears and oh, those big brown almond shaped eyes! 

Bubbles ears are shorter and her eyes are smaller and more round. 

It looks like Gracie had more Cocker Spaniel than poodle, and it's visa versa for Bubbles.  

It's till strange though, seeing Bubbles take over Gracie's spot on the couch and watching her run in a yard that was once owned by Gracie.  We do some of the same things with Bubbles, and in doing so, it hurts to know Gracie is gone.  But Bubbles is giving us plenty of love and laughter. 

Bubbles likes to collect leaves

 

LETTING GO

When we chose Bubbles for our next pet, it was because of her strong resemblence to Gracie.  As she grows, I see Gracie in her more each day, but then again, I don't see Gracie at all.  

Gracie had longer ears, probably more cocker spaniel than poodle.  But Bubble's color is almost identical to Gracie's.  Bubbles is a bit fluffier and curlier, and a bit smarter than Gracie was too.  Once again, more poodle.  I hope her ears grow longer!  

Gracie was brave and bold, a fighter!  Bubbles is scared of her own shadow.  She must have eyes on me at all times or she whines.  She's such a baby.  

She had her first vet visit last week and she did very well.  I was surprised since every other place we introduce her to, she seems afraid.

Today we took her for a walk on the tracks, like we used to take Gracie.  Finally Bubbles is fitting into a small harness.  Birds chirping, bikes passing by, cars going down the road...  all of these things were scary to her.  We try to introduce her to new stuff almost every day.  It doesn't take too long till she's over her fears, but still.  I don't remember Gracie ever being afraid of such simple things.  

I try not to compare too much ---  but it's hard.  Gracie's absense in my life has left quite a sting. She was my heart dog.  I learned so much from her.

One thing I had to do before moving on to life with Bubbles, is that I needed to share my journaling and thoughts from my time with Gracie.  Writing the book was theraputic.  Formatting the book was a pain, and I never did get it just right.  It will be available soon.  It's just a simple small book, somewhat flawed,  that I needed to write in order to honor the beautiful dog God gave me for almost eighteen years.  

My work in progress:

 I must go now.  Bubbles needs a belly rub...