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I just mailed in the deposit for chocolate Labrador retriever. If all goes well, we will have a new puppy in a couple of months. Below is a picture of a puppy from the same mother & father.
This post is designed to share some thoughts around getting another family dog when the last child is about to leave for college. Our current yellow lab, Lucy has been the single greatest investment (my wife’s words) that we ever made. For those of you that have a dog, you know what I mean. God had dogs in mind when the concept of unconditional love was created. Our dog is the one thing the kids get most excited to come home for from there college breaks. I am not hurt by this in the least. I am 2nd or 3rd and I might be behind my home cooked meals for them.
My wife and my decision to get another lab is twofold. First, we believe it will enhance the next few years of Lucy’s life by keeping her more active and a chance to nurture. Secondly, the new dog will fill a void that is created by our kids leaving the nest. This is not to say the dogs are replacements for the kids. But there is an energy, a liveliness in a house with kids. The dogs can play a similar role. There is always someone (dogs) to come home to. There is someone to care for. There is someone to put ahead of ourselves as they do for us.  This addition is one of love.Â
That is cute dog Peter.