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Betty

Usually when I say "never say never," I'm talking to mom friends about minivans. In this particular situation, the phrase applies to something completely different. Dogs. Ladies and gentleman, allow me to introduce you to the latest addition to the Zehnle family....Betty. Now rewind with me as I take you back to the times I said "never" and why I chose to push my personal feelings aside and welcome this pretty, mischievous puppy into our already chaotic family life. 



Raising Kids - Teaching Responsibility

One of the most important aspects that lead to the decision of welcoming Betty into our family is that I finally feel like my kids are at the right age. I can't imaging trying to train and nurture a puppy at the same time as taking care of littles! I know some of you are or have done just that and I tip my mom hat to you, because that is something I didn't have the motivation to do! Rhylan just turned eleven and has wanted a dog for such a long time. I hope he proves me wrong and rocks being a caretaker for Betty! So far, he's doing great! The safety and well-being of my kids always comes first (hence that minivan) and at this current stage, I'm confident that having this dog will give them a companion to love, added responsibility to learn and what I hope are amazing childhood memories. Some of my own childhood memories revolve around the Labrador we had growing up. Apparently part of me still has a soft spot for them buried deep beneath my "never" mentality. 

OCD-ness - Monica (from Friends) Syndrome

Anyone who truly gets to know me, knows just how much of stickler I am for perfection. My standards of perfection (sometimes labeled OCD) apply to literally everything I do and anywhere I live. This sounds incredibly dramatic and maybe it is, but I am very much affected by my environment. My mental health literally depends on it. I don't like mess. I hate unnecessary clutter and more often than not, you will find me deep cleaning something. My Sundays consist of a home reset, deep cleaning and preparing our home, schedules and menu for the week to come. 

For those who embrace me for who I am, I say thanks! For those who do not judge me for having this trait, know that I don't judge you for choosing to live differently. At times, I wish I had that bone in my body that would allow me to sit and just be. However, I can't do that until I feel like everything is in place. Allowing a "big" dog into our life disrupts this for me. And for over a decade of marriage, I've stuck to my guns and said no every time the topic of a dog came up in conversation. After all, cleaning up after a family of five is a challenge in and of itself. 

Commitment 

The decision to welcome Betty isn't something I take lightly. I see people adopting dogs all of the time. They make it look so easy and act as if it isn't a big deal. To me, it's a massive deal. It's a commitment. It's a family member. While I don't love the idea of having a dog, I am also one to go all in on decisions once I've made them. Our childhood Labrador lived to be 15 years old and I have to wrap my head around taking care of another living thing for that long. I mentally weighed the pros and cons, the cost of care, the responsibility when we want to travel and how it would impact my very tiny, twelve year old chihuahua Madison. You name it, I'm sure I thought about it. I also realize that I can't be the villain forever and that I have to make sacrifices for the things that bring my family joy. So I swallowed my pride and agreed to welcome Betty into our family. 

Pawsitive Vibes

I can't resist a good pun and some humor around our current situation, which involves training and watching Betty like a hawk when she's around. Thank you to everyone who reached out on social media or via text with words of positivity and reassurance that she will in fact steal my heart. She's already trying to. When she's fully trained and I feel a sense of trust, then I may let her do just that. Steal my heart Betty! I dare you! 

Watch for Betty Part 2! I will share her story and updates on how she's doing. Stay tuned! 

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