Oh how they've grown

Back in January, I convinced Mr, Snowgoose that we needed a dog.

So one Saturday morning we drove to a pet store holding a shelter adoption fair. We'd seen a dog we liked (an alleged toy Australian Shepherd/ dachshund mix) and went to investigate.

You know how the story ends. We come home with not one, but two puppies: Lola (the blonde) and Mae West(black and tan).



We were happy with the pups. James, not so much. Josie, on the other hand, immediately took on the roll of dog nanny.





Josie, 12 pounds, puppies 3.5 pounds (7 weeks).

Immediately, Lola and Mae began growing like weeds and destroying things. My office was moved to the basement. We pulled up the rugs. The dogs ate a windowsill. Still, we love them.

They catch kennel cough and we spend a month going back and forth to the vet getting antibiotics. They decide they are too shy around people and other dogs and bark like crazy.



Here they are at about 11 weeks. They are bleeding us dry. But so worth it.

We start puppy preschool in hopes the socialization will do them good. They don't like the other dogs, but they discover they like cheese and panchetta (used as bait in training).





At about 12 weeks.

In late February we go to Mexico, leaving the dogs and cats in the care of my MIL and her dog Dash. Dash, Lola, and Mae West eventually become friends; however, Josie remains their bff.





15 weeks.

Note: Josie and Mae are almost the same length. Mae still weighs 6 pound less than Josie.





Around this time we realize that the dogs are not toy Australian Shepherds. We spend weeks debating what they might be and if they had two dads. Eventually we agree on Doxi-pins (dachshund and mini pinscher).





At about 19/ 20 weeks. Mae weighs 8.5 pounds, Lola nearly 12.

Lola now outweighs Josie.


The puppies turn 5 months old on Saturday. We've started Puppy Kindergarten where they remain unpotty trained and stubborn. They still don't like the dogs in the class, but they do enjoy long walks, urban hikes, and car rides, making them the perfect road trip/ death march companions later this summer.

It's been interesting to watch their personalities emerge. Mae West is every bit as fiesty and piss and vinegar her name implies. She's crafty. Her nickname is MaeGuyver as she can unlock her crate and squeeze through tiny openings. She refuses to potty outdoors and will only go on a potty mat (or occasionally rug). She's the ultimate cuddler and wants to snuggle in the bed under the covers. She does "pee dances" when she's happy. When Josie is around she has to be near her.

Lola is aloof and leggy like a showgirl. She's also wicked smart and tends to obey commands and will pee/ poop anywhere (and everywhere). She can jump like no one's business. At 12 weeks she was scaling the baby gate. I bought a 3 foot one and she leapt over that like a hurdle. She's uber athletic and the alpha of the two dogs. She is less likely to cuddle than Mae, but will snuggle up when it suits her.

James Dean still is not happy with the puppies after 3 months, so we doubt he'll ever warm to them. Mostly he watches them from a high place and bats at them when they get too close. He will tolerate them if they're sleeping. Occasionally, all six of us will share the same bed.

For a person who claims not to be a dog person, I'm amazed at how much I fell in love with Lola and Mae and how much joy they bring us. Even when they are barking like crazy and tearing up the house, our hearts still melt with love.