Another Lewis Family Member

Take a slow, deep breath. Ready? Sure? No, I am not pregnant. Last Friday morning, at 9 am, our newest addition arrived to our already busling household. His name is Hunter, and he is a 8wk old Boxer pup. Calen finally got his dog. He got his brother. He got his sister. He got his playhouse. He got his trip to the beach. The boy got his dog. Calen's doing pretty well.

For the first hour he shook like a leaf. He was scared on his new surroundings. With these kids that is fair enough. There was also a terrible thunderstorm outside; adding to the anxiety. He sleep most of the morning, but by late afternoon was entering the puppy blues. He missed his mom and his siblings. He didn't eat at all that day. That night was long. His crying disturbed Riley and she would cry. She ended up in our bed so we could at least get some form of sleep. Hunter would have also been content to sleep with us.

Saturday, he was still in his puppy blues. He wouldn't eat, but he would have little bursts of energy. He would play with the kids. We also began training for basic commands and setting rules for our newest little fella. That night he finally ate. He went to sleep really well, but when he woke up, the crying started.

*Note: it has now been one week today that Hunter joined our family. Everyone is doing well. Jax can't keep his hands off him, but Riley doesn't mind. She's getting a reprieve. Calen said last night, " I have a baby brother and a baby sister and a puppy. What big responsibilities I have." Yes, you do.

Hunter is proving to be 100% housedog. He doesn't like to go outside and is eager to come back in. He doesn't like the chilly night, the wet dew, or the dark. He fits in so well with our family.

By Sunday, we came to the conclusion that Hunter is the ultimate house dog. He has little desire to go outside unless necessary. Then he is usually right on the heels of someone. He is eager to come back inside. He also wants "to be with his people." At night, he is fine if we are in the same room with him.

At this moment. Riley is asleep in the glider. Jax is playing with legos. Calen is doing is bookwork, and Hunter is curled up at my feet between the boys. All is calm, but I know that a storm awaits with three active, curious, natuarally clowning around boys. The thing is the dog will be the easiest to train.

*Update: Hunter is now 11 eleven weeks old and been with us for three weeks. He is the perfect dog for our family. He has blended right in, and Danny and I enjoy watching him be one of the kids- most of the time. The kids couldn't love him more. He loves, loves, loves to go ridin' around and is now sleeping through the night now that he is sleeping with Calen. Now, if we can just get Riley reprogrammed not to wake up at 12am, 3am and 6am.

**NOTE: pictures will be added once I retrieve them from the camera. The camera has taken to holding pictures hostage, but has yet to demand any form of ransom. Motive: unknown. Solution: a new camera without the attitude.