Jake

Thoughts on raising a puppy:

I love my dog. Seriously love him. He is hilarious and very cuddly when he's sleepy. It's the other 16 hours out of the day that drive me insane. For instance - this dog is pretty much a baby still, only 4 1/2 months old. However, he weighs around 45-50 lbs. So this "baby" can drag you around while on his leash, move furniture, can PUT HIS PAWS ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER, and is the width of a Queen size bed when laying stretched out. Luckily, he's a really smart dog - he barks when he runs out of water, whines when he needs to go out, and basically communicates his needs/wants/demands relatively well. Sometimes he gets a "wild hair" and runs crazily around the house (not much of a run because our house is small). He thinks it's funny to crash into walls and he has the habit of snapping at you - not out of meanness, I really think he's being defiant and "making his point."

For all those thinking of getting a puppy, it is like having a child - one that will NOT grow up. Yes, Jake will eventually get out of the stage where he feels he needs to chew dirty socks/underwear/shoes/random pieces of paper. But he is still completely dependent on Chad and I to take care of him forever. It's a big responsibility. It is well worth it, though, when Jake is sleepy, laying on his back with his paws up, and snoring. How much cuter can you get???