My column my rules, here’s another update on life with Lola, the world’s most adorable puppy. Six months old and just topping 8 pounds, I admit that I am smitten. Because of our family’s schedules, I get to put Lola to bed at night and am also the one with whom she starts her day. Nighttime is silly, sweet, simple. Lola is crate-trained. (You know the concept of crate-training, right? Dogs are by nature denning animals and a good-size crate or kennel, introduced gently and gradually, will become your pup’s safe and secure place. It’s also a great way to avoid a young dog’s destructive and pre-potty-trained behavior and, as such, avoid the drama and fear that results when humans punish an unattended dog for shredding/soiling the couch. Done right, with love and patience, a crate is great for both the living and the inanimate things in the home!) For Lola, “let’s go night-night” means a gleeful dash to our bedroom, happily leaping into the pillow-lined crate along with a soft toy, and that’s about it. Since her one speed most of the day is “on” it’s no surprise that her nightly “off” is long and uninterrupted: Lola is out cold for 6 or more hours, and that works for me too.
That crate is next to my side of the bed and me being a light sleeper (unlike my pup) her slightest stirring tends to get me up when she’s ready to start the day. I slip on old clogs and an extra layer and, as she’s decided is appropriate, I lay down on the floor, open the crate door, and reach inside. She’s ready to pee (and frankly I am too) but not before we spend a few minutes hugging. Eventually I scoop her up into my arms and carry her nose-licking little self out into our backyard, gently lowering her onto the ground. (Yes, her feet do touch the ground. Just not too soon!) A pee and a poop, and then it’s back inside where I plop her in bed beside Carolyn for their own morning rituals while I make coffee. Yep, life with the world’s most adorable puppy is pretty great.
