Rescue Dogs Rock: Max’s First Week

Having a puppy is a lot like having a baby. So much love but so much less sleep. Well, maybe I should rephrase that – having a puppy is a lot like having a baby with sharp teeth!

Max’s are like razors!

We adopted Poppy when she was just a puppy, but like having a baby you kind of forget those sleepless nights, the newness of a routine or lack of routine or trying to get stuff done, anything done.

I know this image is slightly blurry but it sums up our life right now. Harvesting potatoes while Max explores…I shared it over on Instagram.

As I told you Monday, and last week, I’m spending most of my time in the kitchen where we’ve put up baby gates as Max’s safe area, and we’re crate training him. At first he didn’t like the crate but slowly but surely he’s going there when he needs a rest. He sleeps in their at night too in our bedroom.

The training is going really well. He lets me know when he needs to go out so things are working in that area (mostly).

At first he wasn’t eating well but now he is.

How’s Poppy doing? She’s being a great big sister and just like when you bring a baby home we’re trying to make a really big deal of her. Luke brought her to work on Friday which she loves because it means taking a boat into Boston, going for long walks, and then being showered with love and attention by Luke’s co-workers. 😉 They’re dog crazy at his work and Poppy loves that. She also got to visit her doggie friends. She was happy to play with Max when she got home and also tries to coral him when she thinks he’s going somewhere he shouldn’t the yard.

Poppy was hanging out on the deck when she didn’t feel like playing but Max quickly learned how to climb up the steps.

We went to puppy training yesterday. He ended up having a private class. He was quite nervous in a new setting, and a little worried riding in the car, but he did great. The trainer gave me a few things I could work on with him. He still gets nervous with strangers but she said we have the first 16 weeks to socialize him.

Friday will be his first visit with our vet just to have a check up and set up his vaccination schedule, as well as finding out about tick medication.

We’re all adjusting. He had me up at 4:30am the other night and 5am yesterday.

He really makes me laugh. Watching him is just so wonderful and funny.

Here’s another video of him chasing his tail:

I mean, adorable right?

The other thing with having a puppy scrabbling around, that I’m realizing, is that before I was trying to do so much. I was racing here and there and everywhere. Frantic trying to get so much done. Trying to get to yoga and exercise, art classes, working on so many DIYs and projects for the blog.

Now, I’m home with him. With Poppy. With the kids. I feel like now because I’m here I can get dinner ready, the laundry done. My word for this year was Slow. That I wanted to take things at a more relaxed and gradual pace so I could truly be present for my family. Max is forcing me to do this.

I saw a quote online that I thought I’d share:

“Rescued is my favorite breed”

The love I feel for this little guy is immeasurable- all 5 pounds of him. I feel so lucky to have him in our lives.

Hope you’re having a beautiful week.