We Got a Puppy… What Was I Thinking?!

Don’t get me wrong—Margo is a sweet little girl. But let’s not forget… she’s a puppy. And now I’ve got three boys and one very excitable new dog, all trying to train each other.

I thought our house was rowdy before. Turns out... that was just the warm-up act.

We adopted Margo yesterday, and we already love her. She’s some kind of mixed breed—definitely has a bit of lab in her—and she’s just over three months old.

She’s adorable. She’s playful. She’s got boundless energy. And she’s very interested in Easton’s sandal… and one very specific corner of our rug.(So that’s fun.)

Honestly? Leah, our sweet older girl, is starting to slow down. She’s not keeping up on walks like she used to, and I really enjoy having a dog to walk with. That was my main motivation.

The boys, on the other hand, are thrilled to finally have a dog that plays. Leah? She’s always been very… dignified. Playing was beneath her. She’s basically the Queen of England in dog form—stoic, loyal, and not here for your fetch nonsense.

But now… we’ve entered the puppy stage .And friends, it’s a whole. new. world.

At the adoption event, before we took her home!

Puppy vs. Veteran Dog Life

Leah was already two years old when we adopted her—completely out of the chaos phase. She doesn’t chew. She doesn’t run off. She won’t touch your food (yes, even popcorn on the floor after movie night). You could leave the front door wide open and she wouldn’t move without permission.

She’s been the dream dog. And honestly? We’ve been so spoiled.

Now we’re back at square one with Margo, and I’m over here praying that Leah will pass on some of her regal manners to her wild new little sister.

Why “Margo”?

Margo was born on Christmas Eve, so I really wanted to name her Evie. Buuuut... I got outvoted. (Welcome to life in a house full of boys.)

So Margo it is. Still cute, still classy—and kind of sounds like she might gather her dog friends to judge owners who dress their dogs in matching outfits. So I’ll allow it.

Southern Belles 🐾

Fun fact: both of our dogs are rescues, and both are from the South. Leah came from Texas, and Margo made her way to us from Arkansas. Apparently, we have a thing for Southern Belles.

Leah was in a kill shelter—we don’t know much more about her early story, but she’s been a gift. Margo came with very little background too, but we do know she has a brother named Todd, and he got adopted the day after she did!

If you’re considering getting a dog, I highly recommend adopting a rescue. Many rescue dogs live in foster homes first, which means you can actually talk to the family and get a real feel for how the dog behaves in a home—not just a shelter. That was huge for us.

We’ve got a lot of adjusting to do, but we’re excited.

There will be chewing. There will be accidents. There will definitely be chaos.

But there will also be cuddles, playtime, and a whole lot of love.

So here’s to new beginnings, muddy paw prints, and the wild ride of raising a puppy (while also raising three boys).

Wish me luck. And maybe… hide your shoes when you stop by!