Everything else is put on pause. Meals, trips, the needs of other dogs, gym visits and most critically, access to caffeine. Maybe this is when I quit cold turkey, but the early mornings argue the opposite. Which side will win, TBD.
A puppy helps you – forces you – to adapt, like a tough drift on a trout stream, you read the water and make a plan. You hope you can execute it, but you anticipate unforeseen circumstances that will change your strategy. So you re-adapt. A quick bite while walking the pup. Coffee on the fly or not at all. Mobile chores are done in the presence of a young dog that wants to help.
Staying on your toes is part of the job description when you buy a puppy. Flexibility is a prerequisite. Maintaining a cool demeanor in the face of adversity goes a long way toward maintaining your sanity. Little is permanent, including any damages inflicted by sharp teeth or immature bladders. Go with the flow (pardon the pun) is the new mantra here.
It is a mind-expanding, eye-opening time around our house. And that’s not so bad.
Scott Linden Outdoors 
Leave a Reply