Life, Courtesy of the Puppy

So it’s day six with the puppy. My intention was to post a “Daily Puppy” photo, but trouble with my computer and the fact that the puppy has been kicking our asses has prevented such frivolity. I haven’t felt this out of sorts since we brought the original boy-child home.

I’m not entirely sure what we were thinking when we got Jasper. I mean, when I watch the kids run around with him or I pick him up and snuggle him or I catch my husband doing something adorable like smelling him, then it all seems perfectly rational.

But at 1 a.m. when I’m cleaning up pee because he tricked me into bringing him back inside after initially convincing me to take him outside, he’s not such a bright idea. Nor is he when we’ve said, “Leave it!” for the fiftieth time in ten minutes. Or when he’s eaten half the plants, dirt, and grass in the backyard (I think he must be suffering from pica).

The thing is — and I really hate this — it seems like all the stuff that makes life worth living comes with a price. All of this darn love and affection that we feel for our family and friends and animals always takes work on the other side of it. Without them, life is easier. And cleaner. And quieter. But it’s emptier, too.

So I guess that’s my excuse for adding yet another layer of controlled chaos. Either that or temporary insanity. Or too many pain meds. All completely legitimate excuses, if you ask me.

Just don’t tell the dog. He thinks we got him because of his exceptional personality. . .

And now, for everyone who’s been jonesing for puppy pictures, here you go.