Meet Liberty!

Ok, you’re all going to think we have completely lost our minds since I just posted about our new kitten we got last week, but yes, we have a new puppy! She is my daughter’s dog, and her name is LIBERTY because she came home the day before Independence Day. She’s an Australian Shepherd and is utterly scrumptious and looks and feels like a stuffed animal. Just look at that happy face!

So, are you wondering why we adopted two new pets in less than a week? Of course you are–because it’s crazy. Let me explain.

My husband and I have always tried to supply our kids with whatever resources they need to support their interests, hobbies, and ambitions. Whatever art supplies, books, tools, lessons, instruments, athletics, field trips, or experiences they need to explore an area of serious interest–not every whim–we will help them get it.

My daughter has always been a natural animal lover and is also very interested in animal therapy. A field she is strongly considering for her future is working with children who have special needs. For a few years now she has talked of training a therapy dog to use with children and possibly with the elderly as well. Since she will be a senior in high school this year, we have been working with her to help narrow down what she would like to do after graduation, and we all prayerfully concluded that her senior year will be an ideal time to train a dog and be able to volunteer with some groups and facilities. She bought the dog with her money and is taking full responsibility (although we all get to enjoy those precious puppy snuggles!). Liberty will remain her dog after training, and they will work together for many years to come!

Just as we try to support our kids in their pursuits, we also support their general growing up needs–emotional, spiritual, mental, physical, developmental, etc. We try to be aware when some feelings surface that they can’t always express, or if they’re in some challenging years, or maybe if they just need a friend. Our son is 11, entering some transitional years, and while he has plenty of friends outside of the home, he doesn’t have anyone close to his age in the house. Bottom line: he needed a little buddy of his very own— one he could be responsible for and could have by his side and hanging around his bedroom. And then came Floyd! I’ll share the story of how we got his kitty in another post.

So how crazy is it in our house right now? Surprisingly, not as crazy as you would think! The cat is a little wild in the playtime department, but so hilarious to watch. He sleeps all night and hasn’t had any accidents! The dog is just the most adorable thing, sweet and happy. She’s still getting up some at night, whimpering, and she’s not completely potty-trained yet. But my daughter is working with her so well and her sweetness makes up for all the work.

The big bonus is that these two are already best buddies! They LOVE playing together and it’s so cute to watch! We make sure they have their playtime together and then go to their separate rooms to nap. We call them “THE TWINS”!