Dogs as Socialization Agents

If I've learned on thing in the last four months, I've learned that a great way to make new friends is by getting a dog. One of my co-workers said to me, "Dogs and kids are both socialization agents."

That much is certainly true. I've met and befriend a lot of people in my neighborhood who I had never even talked to before. Lucy is a friend creator. People love her. Of course, it helps that she is a super friendly puppy who wants everyone she meets to pet her.

Tonight we went to the dog park. We've been there a few times before. She loves it. She's gotten to meet lots of new dogs and tonight especially she learned to be a bit braver around other

dogs.

Of course, she still favors the small dogs to the big dogs because she's still learning that one day she'll be a big dog, too.

My best dog park memory yet is that she's learned to be a brave dog and, true to her breed, swim! (See photo.)

My friend Lisa half-jokingly says that I'm going to meet my husband at a dog park. It's funny because now my dog park trips are not only about allowing Lucy to run off some energy, but also about my glancing at the left hands of attractive men to see if I should attempt to strike up a conversation. (To date, I've struck out.)

Dogs certainly are socialization agents. I now wonder... are they marriage agents? If so, Lucy will most certainly take part in the wedding.

Lucy and Ball

Ok, so I gave Lucy this ball. It was actually a toy I bought for Henry a few years ago, but he never played with it. I think it was just too big for him. He likes his small little balls he can bat around. But, Lucy, on the other hand, loves it. This is just a 24-second video of what she was up to yesterday.

P.S. I love that suggested other videos based on this title are all about Lucille Ball!

Meet Lucy Rose!

So, today I brought home a six-week old puppy. She's absolutely adorable. I am already in love. Be ready, for those of you who read my blog, to get puppy updates-- and lots of them!

So, how did I get here? It's a bit spontaneous, but something I've thought about for a long time!

My sister sent me a text late Friday afternoon that a co-worker's brother had a puppies he was giving away for free to good homes. Erin texted me to see if I wanted one, not really sure if I'd even say yes, but she knew I'd been thinking about getting a dog a lot more seriously lately. Something clicked, I said, "Yes, absolutely, I want one!" So, yesterday we bought supplies and today we went and picked her up. (It was a bit haywire trying to arrange meeting the guy with the dogs, but we made it.) And tonight, I know have a new family member

As I said, I've wanted a dog for a long time, but never really felt like it was the right time. I also knew I really wanted a dog with at least some Labrador in it (I grew up with a beagle, then a yellow Labrador). And, somehow, this weekend, I found just that. My new puppy, Lucy Rose, is half Labrador and half golden retriever. And 100% adorable.

For those who may recognize a name resemblance, yes, Lucy Rose is named in honor of Maggie Rose, the yellow Labrador I grew up with who is now playing baseball in heaven with Grandpa and Uncle Maurice. In my mind, she's perfect. (But maybe that's because she has yet to pee in the house!)

I know puppies are a lot of work, and I'm excited to dedicate a lot of time to training her to be the best dog she can be. I am very excited. I've already learned the cycle of a puppy: sleep, play, eat, pee/poop, play, sleep, repeat!

As soon as I said I'm bring a puppy home, many asked about how my cat, Henry, would adapt. I'm sure he'll be fine, but right now, it's weird and new for him. He is slowly adjusting. I hope the two will become good friends. The best of friends. So far he hasn't swatted her nose, so I figure we're off to a good start! I say only half jokingly that I feel like I'm preparing myself for having kids and learning to bring a baby home from the hospital and helping their older sibling adapt!

So, fun and happy are my words of the day. I think Lucy Rose is just what the proverbial doctor ordered!

If you have a moment, enjoy a Lucy Rose slideshow with guest star Henry Thomas!