"Alright, alright... let's get a puppy.."

     For the entire seven years we've been together, my husband Bo has wanted a puppy. I am an animal lover at heart, and have enjoyed an array of pets, from rats (come on, now.. they were awesome), to cats, horses, and always dogs. However, at this juncture in life, "let's get a puppy" was like saying "let's start 'trying'.." (that phrase grosses me out) I wasn't totally on board for losing sleep, shoes, and sanity, nor was I revved up for potty training, teething, and finding a dog-sitter any time we wanted to hit the dusty trail.
     This past year, my defenses weakened, and the idea began to grow on me.... We moved into a home with a backyard and a dog run, and then the cherry on top came, when Bo reminded me of the childhood dream I had shared once, years prior (how do they Do that?!)--"...haven't you always wanted a puppy with a bow around it's neck on Christmas morning?" Touche. I was pretty convinced, and then we met CHUCK.
     By July 2013, nearly every member/couple in our entire pool of friends had acquired a canine "plus one," so it wasn't surprising, when we joined a camping excursion on Mt. Hood, and the scene was more like "Lady and the Tramp," than Boy Scout camp. The first pup to greet us was a one Chuck Charles, and we were immediately obsessed (worthy of an SNL sketch obsessed). This giant gentleman is a Greater Swiss/ Great Pyrenees/ Bernese Mountain Dog, and his mom and dad happened to be expecting their last litter in October.. which would make them available to join their new families in December (uh oh.. I'm envisioning a Christmas bow). We were SOLD.
     The waiting game, and sweet anticipation began!

Chuck Charles--look at that face!

Mom (Bailey) and dad (Jake)