#AtTheExactRightMoment

I have always said the right dog comes into your life at the exact right moment. When I reflect back on each of our additions, that sentiment rings so true!

 When we first decided we wanted to add a dog to our family, we had no idea what we were doing, what we were looking for or even where to start! I’ll fully admit, we had no knowledge of puppy mills, where pet stores got the pets that they sold, or even that rescue was an option. We just wanted to find a dog. So, we started going to pet stores that sold dogs. We saw lots of cute puppies, but it wasn’t until the moment I laid eyes on Joey that I knew we’d found the one!

His little black and white fluffy body and big eyes just connected with me immediately. From the beginning, Joey was so onery, but he was also loving, devoted and a constant companion.

He was smart, fast and kept us on our toes. One second, we’d be pulling our hair out, and the next we’d be cuddling with him. He forced us to grow, stretch and change. Yet, we loved him even more for all the trouble he put us through. We were responsible for the life, happiness and health of another being. He helped us become adults! He truly taught us about the unconditional love and devotion of a dog. He was the right dog to push us to get more dogs!

 To this day, I can’t remember why we were pushed to find a full Maltese puppy, but I have no doubt, it’s because Pebbles was meant to be our teacher.

While Joey was ornery, she was trouble! Let’s just say, if she had been our first pup, I’m not sure we would have gotten another! It took years to understand why she was the right pup at the right time.

But now, looking back, I can see how much she taught us. She forced us to find trainer after trainer, which forced us to really learn about dog behavior, how dogs communicate, and how we can communicate back with them. She led us to the trainer that forever changed our worlds and the path of our lives.

She wasn’t an easy pup. She forced us to dig deep for patience and perseverance. She made us work… blood, sweat and tears…but through that work we learned so much, and become better people and much better dog owners. She wasn’t willing to let us sit idly by, while life passed all of us by, and for that we will always be indebted to her!

 Oh Bruiser! We completely stumbled into finding him, but again, I know there was a guiding hand. He was the easiest puppy…laid back, no trouble, just chill as could be. With the craziness of Pebbles, his attitude and behavior was much needed!

Even at a young age, he believed everyone loved him. While Joey took to him quickly, Pebbles was very standoffish! He was not accepting of that. It did not matter what she said to him, or how she behaved, he was going to make her love him…and he did!!

He was relentless, and she eventually softened, and they became the best of friends. During her most stressful times in life, he was by her side, his calm demeanor giving her trust and comfort.

His big heart and easy-going attitude has been so perfect for adding new pups to the family. He’s the first to welcome them with open arms and a playful spirit!

 Benji came into our lives in what I thought was a pretty harmonious environment. We were in denial…Pebbles was SO not in a good state. She wasn’t happy. She was anxious, upset and at times quite angry, because she didn’t know how to handle her emotions.

The addition of Benji forced us to find a trainer…and to find one who could really, really help us! It wasn’t an easy process, and things didn’t change overnight, but with time, effort, and work, we were able to transition Pebbles’ life into a happy, joyful, much more peaceful one!

We will forever be grateful to Benji for coming into our lives and forcing us to get the help we so badly needed! Ironically, the blind and deaf dog that I assumed was going to need a lot of help, proved that he was quite independent and self-sufficient! It did not take us long to learn that “disability” meant nothing to him!

During a period of chaos, he reminded us to slow down, appreciate the moments and life live to the fullest, no matter what the situation!

 Then, Jax. We knew our time with Joey was limited, and when I found tiny puppy Jax with his signature eyebrows, and the only boy in his litter, my heart melted!

Joey was a lot of work at that point…multiple meals a day to keep weight on, many, many trips outside to go potty and save my carpet, waking us up in the middle of the night to go potty, and needing mental stimulation to keep him from getting into trouble!

Jax was such an easy puppy. Quick to learn the rules and follow our routine. He watched the rest of the Pack, and he just knew what to do. And, then Joey passed when he was just six months old. I didn’t know what to do with myself, but he did! He wanted to learn, and he was thrilled to have all my time dedicated to him and learning tricks!

He needed that mental work, and so did I! He had the perfect drive and personality for that period of our lives. Working with him occupied my mind, made me laugh and smile, forced me to forget my sadness and focus on the long-legged ball of fluff in front of me!

 Phoenix has proven that, once again…they will come into our lives at the exact right moment! Phoenix wasn’t supposed to be Phoenix. I had a whole other puppy lined up, but things didn’t go as planned, and that puppy never came into existence.

By total chance, I came across Phoenix and took a leap! He couldn’t have been the more perfect pup for that moment in our lives. From day one, he was gentle and sweet towards his Seniors (Pebbles & Benji).

He’s ornery and crazy, but he’s also loving and totally cares about others…he tailors his behavior and actions based on the other dog. For such a tiny guy, but he has the biggest heart.

He’s not like Jax, needing hours of mental stimulation from me. He’s very good at entertaining himself and happy to cuddle or play and then snooze! And, he makes us laugh, every single day! Seriously, there couldn’t have been a more perfect pup for that exact moment!

Unique and different, they have each been a gift from God! Their lives have changed and shaped our lives...all for the better! We have been so blessed to have them come into our lives, at just the right moments!