Somehow it is the last Monday of July and it will be August by the end of the week. How that happened, I'm not sure, but I think we can all agree the year is flying by. As it's the last Monday of the month, that means it's time to check in on my One Little Word. Thanks to Kat for hosting our monthly link-up!
This month, particularly the end of this month, there has been LESS worry and anxiety, especially with regard to Ruthie. I know you're all aware of how worried I was about how she and the Mister would do alone together while Molly and I were in Nashville. You all told me it would be fine and good for them, but there was a lot of negativity before we left and I really wasn't convinced. And aside from that, I'd also had some moments of frustration and had been questioning whether the decision to adopt a dog when the Mister wasn't fully on board was the right one. But when we got home and found out that not only did they both make it through but she had no accidents and didn't bark at him the whole time we were gone, I felt so relieved and reassured. It's clear that I will forever be her favorite person, but I'm seeing better interactions between the two of them -- and it's not just that Ruthie is more tolerant of the Mister, it's also that I see him willingly spending time with her and trying to get her to come to him.
All this is not to say that the stress of having a puppy is totally gone, but I think enough time has passed that I've gotten some perspective on the early days and can see how far we've come. And with every day that passes, we get closer to leaving the puppy period behind. Maybe one day I'll even miss it (though not the pre-6 a.m. wakeups)!
Because a post related to Ruthie is not complete without a photo of her, here is a portrait of the new branch manager:
Ruthie is getting big! Such good news to read that the Mister and Ruthie are making inroads in their relationship. Nice that he is continuing to be involved with her!
ReplyDeleteHere is to a month with less anxiety! Turning the corner from those angsty days of puppyhood is such a good thing! I am so glad that you are all finding your way because I think Ruthie is the perfect pup for your family... and I am so glad that The Mister has found that to be true as well!
ReplyDeleteIt's easy for all of us commenters to say "It will be fine" but I'm glad that it really was and is fine! It was a big commitment to get a puppy so don't downplay the work and worry involved. I think you may be (hopefully) getting past the hardest parts. I love her attachment to her big stick!
ReplyDeleteThat made me laugh out loud -- branch manager! This post makes me happy for all of you. It must bring great relief to have this first big trip under your belts. I'm thinking of those Florida getaways for you and Molly...having your husband and Ruthie moving in the right direction is so reassuring! Lots of success for early days, I'd say!
ReplyDeleteOh she is splendid, and they don't stay puppies for long.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're having less anxiety about Ruthie and hope that means conversely that you are feeling more JOY about having a dog!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad everything went better than you had hoped, Sarah. Ruthie is so charming! And she seems like such a happy little pup. XO
ReplyDelete