Wednesday, September 14, 2011

We got a new puppy!

Introducing Scout, born July 16, 2011

I figured out why puppies have to be so cute.

They sleep like howling newborns, 
but have the appetite of a teenager (or maybe a goat.) 
Then they run around your house like a toddler without a diaper.

A good puppy is a tired puppy.

Still, who can resist this fluff-ball?

Scout is a Golden Retriever from Colonial Goldens of Maine.
She joined our family last weekend at age 8 weeks.
The first two nights were rough (she was missing her dog family),
but she made it through last night without a peep.

My daughter named her after Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
 So far the only indication of good literary taste is chewed up paper. 
 Books and everything else are now carefully shelved.
Our Scout might prefer vampire novels.

Photos of Scout and me are by my daughter. 
 The solo shots are mine.

(Our last dog, Stella, died of cancer a year ago.)

28 comments:

Cid said...

There is nothing like a puppy. And there is also nothing like parenting a puppy. I love the name but watch out if anyone in the house wears Crocs or flip flops. They are the ultimate chew toy - soft, squishy with a touch of salt. Have fun!

Rose said...

Congratulations on the new addition, Sarah! I'm so happy for you and your family--I know there will be lots of trials ahead, but 10 times as much fun. Your post is so true--having a new puppy in the house is like having a newborn, except newborns don't chew up shoes. I just replaced the carpeting this spring that Sophie chewed up 1 1/2 years ago as a puppy:) Scout is just so darned cute; she just begs to be cuddled. And I love the name--one of my favorite literary characters of all. Enjoy!

troutbirder said...

Oh what a cutie. Just wonderful. Goldens are great hunters and more importantly wonderful family dogs. I'm so glad for your family and Scout too.... who happens to have been born on my birthday. :)

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

My eyes welled up viewing these shots of you with your gorgeous golden. Scout is beyond adorable!

We had one that we acquired at 8 weeks too. They are the most lovable, loyal, sweet, funny, cuddly dogs - and very intelligent. Our "Silken" died a few years back and I miss her so.

May you have many happy years together.

Carol said...

Dear Sarah,

Waiting a year to have a new puppy seems just right. Scout sounds good too. Another S in the family. What a sweetie! I am so happy for you and your family. Scout is a lucky little pup. May she have a long and happy life with you all and may she not eat too many vampire novels that might upset her tummy. Wonderful photos . . . I love the one of you standing looking down at Scout with sun beams and shadows about. Congratulations! Carol

Tracy Golightly-Garcia said...

Hello Sarah

Love the last picture!

Best
Tracy :)

Beth Kephart said...

too cute for words!

Elizabeth said...

Welcome, Scout!
Well, yes, I can agree with the toddler without a diaper bit --
but what sheer joy to see the world afresh through the eyes of one who finds it a splendid place....

Not to mention the goo-maling cuteness.
Wishing you all the greatest happiness together!

Rubye Jack said...

Scout, such a fluffy cutie baby!!!

Amanda Summer said...

oh my gosh, that pup is completely irresistible - fluff ball indeed! adorable name, adorable creature - congrats on the new family member!

A Cuban In London said...

Beautiful little poochie pooch! :-)

Greetings from London.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Oh this makes me smile! That last photograph should be your Christmas card! Adorable. Edward and I wish you many happy years with Scout! And what a perfectly perfect name!!

Sarah Laurence said...

All, I had to wait until Scout crashed out in her crate before going back online. This morning she had a house-training accident while I was posting. She thinks my office is outside, but at least she’s good in the kitchen. I might be a bit slow at blog visits this week until we figure out a routine. It was wonderful to find so many welcoming comments tonight.

Cid, our house was designed for a dog with a place for crate in the kitchen and shelves for shoes in the mudroom. Still our last puppy managed to eat my dad’s slippers.

Rose, we rolled up all our carpeting. I hope we can roll them down in time for Xmas. Scout was one of my favorite literary characters too.

Troutbirder, our “hunting dog” will only be hiking. That’s so funny about you two sharing a birthday!

Bonnie, I can understand your pain as we lost two goldens before Scout.

Carol, I need at least half a year to mourn our last dog and then we didn’t want to get a puppy before spending a month in Europe or when the kids were at camp. It’s a busy time of year now but at least we’re home. This puppy will grown up on soccer. That sunbeam shot was my daughter’s composition – she loved the light that night in our backyard.

Tracy, my daughter insisted I include that blooper. It looks like she’s biting my neck, but she’s only licking my chin, a submissive gesture for a dog.

Beth, Elizabeth, Towanda, Amanda, ACIL, thank you!

Pamela, Scout sends a playful “woof” to Edward.

Donna said...

Absolutely adorable puppy! Congratulations on the addition of Scout to your family. I know she won't take Stella's place, but she looks like she will be a very special and fun part of the family.

☆sapphire said...

Congratulations on the new arrival!
Oh what a delight! Scout looks so cute. My cat mewed beside me looking at the photos of Scout; he said "mmmeww・・・Purrfect!"

Les said...

Congratulations! I hope you and your possessions survive the next 12 months. Scout is very, very cute and it should be easy to overlook transgressions.

tina said...

Aw, she's adorable! I know she'll be a great member of your family. So darned sweet those goldens.

Hana Njau-Okolo said...

Congrats on your new puppy! Scout is such a cutie, I look forward to many more pics and stories of Scout the soccer and lit pup!

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to meet her!

walk2write said...

How adorable! Love the name and the pics of you two playing. You look very happy. It's going to be fun seeing pics of Scout scampering around in the snow drifts this winter.

Andrea said...

Glad to meet you and Scout. They are all beautiful at that age. Your photo with him at the yard with tree shadows is what i love most.

Sarah Laurence said...

All, thanks!

Andrea, so nice to connect with you! That last photo was taken by my 14-year-old daughter. She’ll be pleased to read your comment.

Booksnyc said...

Oh my goodness - how adorable! You're right - being adorable allows everyone to forgive so much!

khaki said...

Oh my gosh. What to say. SOOOOO cute. You can almost smell the puppy breath looking at the photos!!! We have been toying around with the thought of getting a new puppy.... We had our Bridget for 12 years, sweet little black lab. She passed in Feb. =( We just aren't ready yet I don't think but we will for sure. They are such a part of the family. How much fun to have a new puppy!!!! I love it when they get tired and just flop down. hahaha Great photos- the puppy looks as happy as you are! I love the name- what a great book.

prince snow farm said...

She is adorable. We are contemplating a pug right now.

Sarah Laurence said...

Booksnyc, yes, I’ve even forgiven her for digging in the yard. That’s the price of answering blog comments outside on a gorgeous day.

Kacky, I’m so sorry about your Bridget. We also needed time to mourn.

ND, Scout enjoys playing with a pug puppy in our neighborhood. For now, they are close to the same size.

Bee said...

I'm so happy for you! Scout seems like the perfect name.

I guess that all newborns have the same good points and bad points. I hope you are over the sleepless night part now, though.

Sarah Laurence said...

Bee, Scout is finally sleeping through the night (ie 10:30 to 6) consistently, but it took us 2 weeks to get there. It is like having a baby, but it goes much faster. In 2 weeks she’s 1/3 bigger, says the vet! Nice to have you back online. You've been missed.