Empty Nesters = New Puppy?

So, about two weeks ago, we got a new puppy. It might have been one of the dumbest things I’ve ever done. 

I mean, we are empty nesters! We are at the point in life where we can decide on a whim to leave town, go out to dinner, take a road trip, or do absolutely nothing – and now…we can’t. Because we have a puppy. But here’s the thing.

I think I might have created a monster. And by “monster,” I mean myself.

Three years ago, my daughter, Matilda, got a long-haired mini dachshund named Millie. And I am completely obsessed with that dog. I have officially become one of those people – the kind I never understood and I always swore I would never be.

I buy Millie clothes. I automatically wander into the dog treat and toy sections of every store I walk into. I can’t spend enough time with her. So naturally, the only logical thing to do was get one of our own.

This isn’t my first go-round with a dachshund. I grew up with a long-haired dachshund, Hansel, and he was absolutely amazing. So when the opportunity came to get another long-haired dachshund from the same people Matilda got Millie from, we trusted them completely. She had such a great experience with them, and we couldn’t be happier with our little guy.

He is absolutely adorable. Thank goodness. Because potty training is NOT for wusses. 

As expected… There have been accidents. There have been moments when I have wondered what in the world I were thinking. Just when I think we have a schedule and routine, he says… just kidding!

And yet…

He is my little buddy, and I think we are both completely obsessed with each other. His name is Willson – yes, as in Meredith Willson. And if you know our family, you know exactly why that makes perfect sense. 

Willson comes to work with me nearly every day, so if you happen to be downtown and want to stop by Lee Realty and say hi, please do! He already has treats, toys, and even his own dog bed at the office. Socializing him is one of our biggest priorities right now, so he is getting introduced to all kinds of people, pups, places and experiences.

He even went to Brody’s football scrimmage last Saturday. And honestly? He did great, despite it raining nearly the entire tailgate AND game. He handled the car ride like a champ, did well at the scrimmage, enjoyed the tailgate, inspected Brody’s dorm room, and seemed to think the whole day was just a normal Saturday.

So, yes. We are empty nesters with a puppy. Our ability to spontaneously go anywhere has officially been compromised. But our house is a little livelier, our office has a new four-legged employee, and somehow our hearts are a little fuller.

I suppose maybe it wasn’t such a dumb decision after all. Welcome to the family, Willson. We’re pretty crazy about you already.