Hello friends! I’m coming at you mid-day in a bit a foggy-headed daze for the very best reason… we got a DOG! I’m so excited to introduce you to Finley, our 8 week old vizsla puppy.
David and I loved her from the moment we saw her, but no one is more excited than Hailey and Kaitlyn. David and I picked Finley up in Bryson City, NC on our way home from Tennessee yesterday and completely blindsided the girls. Watching the video still makes me tear up.
They’ve been begging for a dog for so long now and we’ve been firm in our stance, so to get to walk up the driveway and shout SURPRISE was a moment I’ll remember forever. It was so funny to watch them go from confusion to elation in a matter of seconds.
As I predicted, both shouted with joy (Is she really ours?! This feels like a dream!) and eventually Kaitlyn was in full blown tears (I’m just so happy; this is the best day of my life). Neither Hailey nor Kaitlyn remembers our sweet Koda very well, just that they loved her and loved having a dog, so to get them to experience the joy of a pet at ages 10 and 7, ages when they can really soak it in and help out, feels really heartwarming.
I knew we’d have some adjusting today, beginning with sleep. We went to bed at 9:30 last night and she was up at 12:45, 2:30, and then at 5:00 for the day. We are believers in crate training, and know it takes some upfront dedication. However, it’s been a while so if you have any tips, please send them my way!
We all feel like newbies in the dog ownership department, but are learning as quickly as we can between soaking up puppy snuggles. The best.
I can’t wait to share more, and if you have any questions, please let me know. I’m so happy she’s here. We originally were considering next summer, but as luck would have it, a 10 puppy litter and one person dropping out meant that Finley was meant to be a part of our family.
Now to figure out how to best get her to sleep, find a holistically minded vet, teach her how to walk on a leash, and warn the ducks. The kids worked all summer on getting the ducks to trust them and now we’re bringing a bird dog/pointer.š According to the breeder, Finley is bold and a little bird crazy. Sorry, ducks!
More later, but I couldn’t resist popping in to introduce you to our newest addition. š¾š„° And since I’m a proud new mama, a few more pictures before we head back out to teach her to go potty…
Shannon says
Ahhh so happy for all of you! She is adorable! Best of luck with her!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you!! š
Kelsey says
We got a puppy for xmas last year!! They are the best. Only tip is putting a bell on the door and teaching puppy to ring it when they need to go potty. Took our little guy a week or two to catch on but helped so much! Our door was out of sight line from the kitchen so saved a lot of accidents, and keeps the indoor barking down a bit. Enjoy š
Brittany Dixon says
That is such a neat trick; going to have to look into that! Thanks! š
Dionne says
YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations. The VERY best decision. I know your hearts are full! Happy New Puppy!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you! Hearts and f=hands are very full right now! <3 š
Torrie @ To Love and To Learn says
We just got a new puppy too — my first time ever owning a dog. I actually have never wanted one, but my husband has been wanting one more than anything else for the entirety of our marriage, so I finally gave in š
We’ve been watching lots of YouTube videos on how to train puppies, and so far it’s going pretty well. The potty training will still take way longer than I wish, but at least we’re only having to wake up once in the middle of the night now to take him out!
Congrats on your new edition, and what a fun surprise for your girls <3
Brittany Dixon says
Awww congrats to you too!! I feel like a new owner because it’s been so long. So much to relearn, haha!
Kathy says
Congratulations!!! What fun!!
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you!! š
Megan says
Yay!! I started reading your blog because you had a vizsla, which I do as well. The best dogs. Just the best. We also did the bell at the door. It worked great but ours used to hit it so hard..it tore up the trim. I suggest a professional for some training. Get on your running shoes….you’ve got a vizsla!
Brittany Dixon says
I’ll have to think about the bell; sounds like a helpful trick! And I love that we’ve only had her 24 hours but already we’ve been outside so much more; so good for us!
Jennifer Keller says
So excited for you all!!! She is so cute and I love her name! Looking forward to all the puppy posts!!
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks; we are so excited! And a little tired… haha
C says
Oh my gosh, I love her! I also have a vizsla, who will be 9 this Christmas. They sure are a crazy breed, but are so lovable!
Brittany Dixon says
Crazy and lovable are the best adjectives! Love that yours is 9; how awesome!
Kelli says
Iām sooooo happy for you guys! I remember when Koda passed and how heartbreaking that was. This is such an exciting addition for your family. Congratulations and good luck.