I am finally writing again. It’s been quite a while, I know. In December 2022, I rescued an English Bulldog I named Sasha. I am told she may be around 7 years old. What I discovered is that she is not really potty trained; its now been 6 months and she’s getting better, but can you really teach an old dog new tricks? I have been trying, but probably not hard enough. She has been awesome though, and in all honesty, I am pretty sure she rescued me, just like my other pups. I have since had to put down Max and Lucy in 2021 & 2022. I waited 5 months before I adopted Sasha. Then I slowly realized two things. Sasha needed companionship and I really had always wanted a French Bulldog. So the search began.
I tried to rescue, but forgive me, the attempts did not work out. I ended up finding an amazing breeder. They were so patient with me before I decided to place a deposit; the woman who was my contact answered all my questions thoroughly and thoughtfully. I was able to lock down on a Frenchie that was going to be born in April. Sure enough, a huge litter was born on April 9th. Eight babies and I was number six in line to choose my fave. I got updates on photos and had a few in mind; while the males had the cool coloring (blue Merle and black solids), I got to pick out mine on May 20th.
When May 20th came around, I took one look at the ones I had to choose from; one of the ladies chose another litter, so I became number five to choose and this little blue Frenchie spoke to me. I picked her up and knew she was mine. I had a name already chosen for both male and female, depending on which I chose. She was perfect for me and her new chosen name. Because she is a Frenchie, her name was inspired by the French book by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables. I named her Cosette. As I was doing some traveling, we worked it out that I would pick her up June 21rst.
Finally, June 21rst arrived!! Before this date, so many friends gave me advice and the breeders told me exactly what food to give her (what she was receiving prior to pick up). I got a pen (compliments of Amazon and controversial because of the flooring, but it seems to be working out) and toys and food for her. My friend encouraged me to boil up some chicken for her and get pumpkin for her because she was not eating much… hypoglycemia is a thing in puppies and I certainly wanted her as healthy as can be….was she nervous and sad leaving her old life and puppy parents? Maybe. She did eat the kibble sprinkled w chicken and pumpkin (not always at the same time). I had a vet appointment for her the next Tuesday and I would ask lots of questions then. In the meantime, bonding, bonding, bonding… for me and Sasha!
By the time we were ready to leave for the vet’s, I had a sling for carrying her (compliments of Amazon, once again). The vet was great and confident. I was told she was growing well (now 7 pounds) and did not need chicken or pumpkin unless she was not eating anything; because she had been eating her kibble (finally), I have since held back on the human food. The vet also said I needed to start on potty training sooner than later. I have started, but this is something you can’t do half-assed. I was told “The Art of Raising a Puppy” was a great book for this and ordered that…. Now I need to read it, but I heave been so busy with Cosette, its been hard; once I am up every 2-3 hours potty training her, when will I get a chance to read!!?!
So here we are…. Two pups and a very busy human mama!! This is new territory for me. I have had two dogs simultaneously in the past, but as they were both trained and adults, this is a totally novel ball game for me. If ANYONE has any hints, advice or encouragement, leave me a comment….I would love to hear from you!!!!
Till next time…..
Brilliant Distraction 