A Friday Buffet
No. 030 Welcome to the fam, Pepper! Greetings from puppy HQ.
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Hello!
Friends, to quote the infamous Carrie Bradshaw, “gum is an impulse purchase.” Last week we made an impulse purchase, but it was far larger than gum. We adopted a puppy!
On Thursday, we met, and were given the opportunity to adopt, an adorable 8-month old golden doodle that just happened to be at our local ASPCA shelter. How rare! How wonderful! How serendipitous! I was smitten. I couldn’t walk away. She was suddenly ours and we welcomed her into our home on Friday.
*cue the confetti.*
Welcome to the family, Pepper Lottie!
We decided on her name because it’s fun, quick to say and because she’s so darn peppy! Lottie is for lottery because we felt like we won the lottery when we were chosen to be her adopted family. :) We had an amazing visit with her at the shelter and the team said we were the best fit out of everyone looking to meet her. Wow! I was honored. And immediately humbled. Puppies are the opposite of zero energy.
Despite it only being one week since we brought Pepper home, she has settled in quite well and our house feels so full and fluffy with her hanging out with us. She loves lying by the windows, snuggling on the couch, jumping on the bed, and plenty of walks outside.
Conveniently, the weather has been incredible this week so all of our outside time (miles and miles each day) has been enjoyable for me, too. Did I mention Seth had to travel for work this entire week?
Yes, just three short days after bringing Pepper home, I was the sole provider and caretaker for the week. OMG. I have never taken care of a puppy by myself let alone one that isn’t fully settled into a new home and neither of us had fully figured out her routine. I’m incredibly glad it’s Friday and that Seth has returned.
I did not get much sleep (daily 5:30am wake up and walk), we walked no fewer than five times each day, and am happy to report that by the end of the week I now have Pepper on a perfect eating schedule and the barking at strangers, leaves, large trucks, or anything that moves has gone down considerably. Rejoice! Maybe I’m not the worst dog trainer after all. ;)
Pepper is such a delight! She is miraculously good given her brief time in the shelter and I am so grateful she’s housebroken, sits on command, and has yet to realize she could be interested in chewing anything besides her toys. My shoes are currently safe!
For a pretty young pup, she has excellent behavior and makes everyone who meets her so happy - just be ready for her to sit in your lap and give lots of hugs (yes, hugs) and kisses.
Amusingly, I call Pepper an impulse purchase solely because I do not think I had intended to get a dog last week, specifically last Friday. However, I have wanted a puppy of her kind for years. The breed (golden doodle) is so sweet, gentle, non-shedding, and all-around joyful which is exactly what I want in a pet. Pepper is a people-pleaser (same) and seems to want everyone around her to be in a good mood and play all of the time. How can you not smile at that?
Life can be stressful, hectic, and wildly busy. I had been on the fence about when would be the best time to get a dog and I could never figure it out. I debated daily and changed my mind frequently. Little did I know that it’s never “the right time” to get a dog or make any major change in one’s life. You just make the change.
On a whim, we checked the available dogs at the ASPCA and we happened to see that Pepper was available. We chose to see if we could meet her the next day. And suddenly on Friday she was ours. I don’t always believe in fate, but I do believe we were meant to have Pepper in our lives and as part of our family.
Finally, on a funny note, Pepper’s personality definitely has a few quirks that remind me of Athens which is adorable and makes her presence even more serendipitous. I was wary of when it would be the right (or best) time to bring a new pet into our home. Turns out Pepper joined us at exactly the right time. :)
A Buffet for Today: 5/19/2023
Pepper is a fast puppy! My sneakers are getting a workout, but especially the Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas.
And these classic checkered Vans are on their way to my house. Is it 1997 again? I’m loving it.
Hand-hygiene is wicked important (still!) so review this hand soap guide and buy accordingly. I’m partial to Aesop - pricey but it lasts.
Alex Mill’s summer collection launched this week and I have my eye on a few pieces…
Yes, I’d like to eat boursin and peas pasta.
Thoughts on a terry cloth set?
I know these are not a need in any way, but I like the chunky Birkenstock sandals.
Lemon white chocolate chip cookies could be a nice treat during the summer.
Enjoyed this interview with Kendall’s assistant, Jess, on Succession, played by the great Juliana Canfield.
Do you have a hobby? One of mine is writing this letter to you each week. :)
Cheers and joy,
Mollie
