The kids were part of the "test". LOL
easy child and her boys and Travis came along with me. I used the excuse I can't drive and hold a puppy. lol
All the pups were fine with the kids. It was mom I was watching. I know that might sound odd, but to me Mom's personality is important.......and I was paying as much attention to that and her behavior as I was the pups. It didn't take long to know that Molly and Maggie's Mom Mary are very similar in personality/intelligence. Mary responded to the spoken word the exact way Molly does, she has the same "mothering" aspect and the well, I dunno how to put it into words, I just know it when I see it, thing to her personality.
Once I was happy with Mom, I started watching and testing pups. At this stage, sex is irrelevant. I was beginning to worry that I wasn't going to find what I was looking for when I'd gotten through 5 out of 7 pups......who didn't pass the "mellow/trust" test......but then I picked up Maggie. And she passed immediately. Totally relaxed, no fear whatsoever. So I put her down a while.........and I picked her up twice more the same way (lay them on their back in your arms, squirming flunks, fearful behavior flunks, you want them to chill completely). She passed all 3 times with flying colors.
And I knew. Just as I knew with every other dog. Maggie was the perfect "fit". She's what I'm looking for. It doesn't hurt that she's is absolutely adorable. LOL
She just chilled in the car for the 20 min drive home. Napped with Travis while I ran out for baby food, a collar, baby treats (training), and a small crate.
easy child and I returned with the supplies and supper. I took her on the leash to potty. At first she was a bit timid and confused.....a few mins later she did her deed and was praised. She played while we ate. Connor was done first. Now Connor LOVES wide open spaces. Nana and Darrin had rearranged the dining room so that it's one huge wide open space. easy child put him out of the high chair.....and he could care less about Maggie, he wanted to roam! Maggie followed him all over the place, just as Molly used to do with kayla and bff's son. Too cute!.
The boys are super excited about Maggie, so Nana has to keep a watchful eye that they don't get carried away and too rough.
easy child had a hard time resisting adopting one herself, and I'm glad she managed. If she had her fence, it would be different. Besides, she has 4 kittens to find homes for. But she did help me with the name. I was having a hard time with that..........to me a name has to "fit". I was trying to come up with something that suited mellow and intelligent and easy child was telling me about her bosses new pup (a golden) named maggie...........well I really wasn't paying much attention to what easy child was saying, but when I heard "Maggie" I said That's IT! That's her name! LOL
Nichole went all mushy. LOL But then she always does.
What makes me happy is that Molly seems happy. And since she has been feeling pretty crummy the past few days....... I was relieved she is ok with the new member of the family. Even Bruce likes Maggie. THAT surprised me. Bruce doesn't like any new animal at first, takes him a long time to warm up.
Tomorrow I put in a call to the vet for shots and worming, and to get her flea medications. I'd normally do the shots, but I want her to have a good checkup anyway.
No piddles so far. She's doing great in her crate, and cries when she needs to potty if she's inside it.
This time? It feels totally right. No doubt. No regret.
