I Can't Believe it... We Got a Dog!

So we may be crazy, but we got a dog. Can you believe it? She is the cutest dog ever. Meet Bella. She's a Havapoo (havanese poodle mix), and she weighs almost 2 pounds. 

Here's the story. The kids have been begging for a pet for years. They have tried to show us how responsible they can be by taking care of their stuffed puppies. Well we have always hesitated about getting a dog because Tyler and Makayla are allergic. We did some research and found a few breeds that are hypoallergenic. Tyler and I started talking about getting a dog.  We went out for my birthday dinner and I somehow convinced Tyler to just go and look at a dog. We were very specific about what kind of dog we wanted. It had to be small, easy to train, good with kids, and hypoallergenic. When we walked in we were looking at all the puppies and I saw this cute, small black one, and I knew she was the one. 

We were able to hold her and I was sold. I just had to convince Tyler. Well Tyler looked like he was going to pass out. He wanted to wait and think about it overnight, but I wanted to get her right then because they said puppies like her tend to sell fast. Well somehow I convinced Tyler to be spontaneous and we took Bella home. 

The kids were at Terry and Craig's house. We wanted it to be a surprise, so we didn't say anything to them when picked them up. When we got home we sat them on the couch and said we had surprise for them and then Bella walked in. 

Makayla started crying and asked if it was a dream. Caden kept saying, "Wait, we got a puppy?" and Brynnli crawled up on the back of the chair and started crying because she was scared. It was the cutest thing and something I will remember forever. 

To say we are smitten is an understatement. All of us love Bella so much... even Tyler. 

Bella has been so good for all of us in different ways. She is great for calming Makayla and Caden down when they are stressed. She has taught our kids responsibility, and they are so good to take her for walks, play with her, and make sure she's fed. Brynnli is no longer as scared of dogs, which is a huge change. Bella has been so great for me because with all the kids back in school all day, I have someone to talk to during the day. But the biggest surprise is Tyler. Tyler always claimed he was not a dog person, but he loves her, talks baby talk to her all day, and spoils her. Nothing can melt your heart faster than a puppy. 

Even Terry loves her grand dog. 

Here's Bella all wrapped up in my minky blanket.... because she's not spoiled at all. 

We all love to play with her outside. 

This was her first bath. She looks so skinny. 

Don't worry, we got her all warmed up and tried to put a bow in her hair. 

Something seems wrong about this picture... shouldn't the dog be in the cage? Well I guess we know who is in charge around our house. 

Oh Bella, we love you so much and are so happy you are part of our family.