thanks

I want to say thanks to all the people who sent messages and prayers our way in regards to the incident with Bogey. Many have asked about the little girl and how she is doing. Let me preface this by saying that I believe any dog bite is bad. Luckily for her, Bogey nipped her in the cheek leaving what I understand to be 2 puncture wounds and a gash( I have not seen her up close.) She rec'd stitches from a plastic surgeon and has had them removed. Her mom told me that she looks great and is doing well! That is wonderful news!!! Thank you so much to all who have been thinking about her and praying! Bogey remains with us. In the meantime, we are working with a trainer until we know what direction we will take with him. Thanks again!

Potty Training 101-Done!

I can't even believe how smoothly it went. I guess when they're ready, they're ready. I just really anticipated Avery giving me a run for my money when it came to this but she has sailed through with flying colors. We started the day the kids went back to school. Initially, I went with pull-ups but upon seeing how well she was doing, she and I quickly headed to Target for some "Big Girl" underwear. Since day 1 we've only had 3 accidents, thankfully all #1. We've been in our "Big Girl" britches for about a week and she is so proud. We've also tested every public bathroom within a 10 mile radius but I don't care! As gross as they are, I'd rather sanitize her hands than continue adding to the landfill. It's been a long time coming for me but we are movin' on!

Sick

While it sickens and saddens me to write this post, I know it is something I have to do. Last Sunday, our 16 month old puppy bit a little girl in the face. Bogey was lying on the ground and the girl came up just to pet him and he snapped. Fact is, doesn't really matter how or why it happened, just that it did. We have been struggling with guilt and remorse and praying hard for the girls' health and recovery. We have also been struggling with what to do. We have decided that Bogey has to find a new home. It is a heart wrenching decision but one we had to make. We have too many kids in this house, in our yard, in our neighborhood to even entertain the thought of keeping him. I simply can't keep an eye on him every time a child enters our home. It is also unfair to him to have to lock him away any time people are here. And while I don't think he is a true threat, I couldn't bear it if it were to happen again. I have cried more tears and experienced more emotions in the past two days than in the past two years. Please pray for healing for this little girl and her family. Also, please keep our family in your prayers. Although we know we are making the right decision, it is still so very difficult. It took us a long time to agree to even get a dog, and then to get one as great as Bogey was just icing on the cake. I think that is what makes it so hard. He would never imagine hurting one of our kids. Needless to say, our kids are heartbroken and even suggested that their fighting caused Bogey to learn this behavior. Chase literally cried himself to sleep last night. Our hope is to find a home for him that has another dog and more land for him to run. People that we know so we can receive updates and visit him. Prayers for all involved for a peaceful and happy resolution.

Potty Training!

I decided awhile back to coincide Avery's potty training with the older kids return to school. They all began school yesterday and day#2 of potty training is well under way. It's going much better than expected. The "Pull-Ups" have been a huge hit and the skittle treats for going #1 and #2 seem to be providing ample motivation! More to come from Potty Training 101!