Bennie update

Mark didn't make it this week....I am really hoping he has forgotten us and there will be no more havoc going on in my world. I'll keep you updated. I showed them-I sat in my PLACE during the entire Thanksgiving meal. I walked beside Daddy. I had my listening ears on. Everyone thought I was AMAZING. It's important to set the bar low at the beginning.

Mommy loves to tell me the story of how I was adopted and I know you are dying to hear it so I thought I would document it. Mommy loves to tell me this story when I am getting ready to go to sleep....

The first weekend in December, 5 years ago, Mommy and Daddy were running around like fools doing errands and stopped into Petsmart. They had been talking about adopting a puppy and had this great backyard and even a dog door. In true form, they were looking for a dog to fit the door-never ones to make things difficult.

They walked in, and I was in pen, looking around for a family. You can't imagine the people in that place. So many people wanted to hold me but I knew they were not going to be my mom and dad. They are so loud-all these kids, nightmare. They were just using me for some cuddling-cheap thrills. I couldn't complain though-living at a shelter you don't get too many cuddles.

Mommy walked right up to the pen, and picked me up. Daddy was playing with some other puppies (whatever). Mommy smelled like cookies (she loves to bake) and scratched my ears and rubbed my belly. I knew right then that she was going to be my mom. She held me very gently because I was so little, only 5lbs. I had just had surgery so I was a little sore but mommy seemed to know that and was careful. She called over to Daddy and said, "look at this sweet little puppy". Hehe, the joke is on her.. .

That was it. Daddy took me in his arms and would not let me go. They decided to adopt me! As you might expect if you know them, they had no cash on them for the adoption fee but Daddy would not leave me. He sent Mommy to the bank to get money and held me while she was gone. I was pretty excited. I had been scared that I might not have a family and be lonely, but I knew after just a few minutes that I was outta that shelter. My cute little face won them over.
The lady in charge kept saying to Mommy and Daddy , "that little dog chose you....he loves you". Nothing could be more true. We spent the next hour shopping for everything for my new house-it was like Christmas! Beds, toys, food, treats. I was pumped! I kept trying to jump out of the shopping cart because I was so happy (guess that was my telling them what was to come with my energy).

Since I have lived with Mommy and Daddy I have learned the following things:
1. They love to have parties. This is awesome for me-lots of food on the floor and lots of petting my little head. However, doorbells cause me some anxiety so it's a mixed bag.
2. I fit through the dog door and love the backyard-I was a Rinard puppy from the start.
3. They love to go boating. I am not a water dog. They have forced me to adapt.
4. They love the beach-see #3.
5. They take lots of trips so I am very close with my dogsitters.
6. They go to Ohio a bit and that is where my special friend, Grandma Kathy lives. She has extra special toys for me EVERY visit.
7. They love naps. Me too.
8. They have really fun friends that have doggies too-so I am very social.
9. They work a lot-but I get to go to Doggie Daycare. Just to show them how much I love them, I run at the speed of light to them when they pick me up.
10. They hate mud on the floor (not sure why). I love mud.

NO! I just heard Mommy tell Daddy not to make plans on Tuesday because MARK is coming back. SHOOT. You must be kidding. Gotta rest up for another evening of ridiculousness.