Meet Charlie.

Tyler and I used to have a couple chihuahua's before we had kids.  They were our babies, but once our real babies came, they became a real annoyance.  Anyone who knows Chihuahua's would agree.  They are whiny and needy and they crawl all over you, NOT helpful when you're trying to nurse a baby.  I always remember my brother telling me they weren't real dogs... and a lot of people would agree.

We found them a new home with a family member and everyone is happy - so don't call PETA on me.

Tyler and I started talking about adding a dog to our family once Jaxon started asking for one.  He has always LOVED dogs, and for over a year now begs us at random times to get one.  My inlaws Hungarian Vizsla got pregnant around Thanksgiving time, and when Papa jokingly said that one of the puppies would be coming to live with us for Christmas, we really started considering it.

If you've never heard of this breed, don't worry, I hadn't either until 6 years ago when I met my Father-in-law.  They are amazing dogs.  A pointer breed and typically amazing hunters, but also family dogs.  They are often described as lap dogs, even though at full grown they weigh 40+ pounds.

The idea started getting a little more serious the more we talked about it.  Life is fairly calm right now, we have a fenced in back yard, the boys are old enough to help some (no seriously, Jaxon took them outside this morning!), and if we got a puppy, she would be able to grow up with the boys.  The idea of having a dog who protects, plays, and comforts my boys is what ultimately sold me on this whole thing.

Of course, having a puppy isn't easy.  We are crate training her, so that does make it a little easier, but my days mostly consist of taking her outside multiple times an hour, letting her play, cleaning up accidents, taking her back outside, then putting her back in the kennel.  I'm not in denial saying this is the easiest thing I've ever done, but so far, it's been tolerable.

We have big dreams for this sweet girl... we want her to be primarily an indoor dog, but not so domesticated that she can't be outside without crying (hello Chihuahua!) or even sleep outside on warm nights.  We want her to be playful and fun.  We want her to protect our home, but be trained enough to not jump on people or bark non-stop when visitors come.  We want a good dog... and I know that requires lots of training.  Luckily, we're game.

So, welcome to our family, sweet Charlie girl.