#petmomma – Page 2

Puppy Love & Puppy Frustration: Life with Teenage Stanley

💛 Sweet, Cuddly, and… Exhausting
I love Stanley — he’s affectionate, playful, and loves to snuggle. But wow, some days are just a lot.

Lately, I’ve been finding myself frustrated by the end of the day. He’s deep in that “teenage puppy” phase, and even though I know it’s normal, it can feel like we’re going backward instead of making progress.

🚪 The Potty Training Struggle
The housebreaking journey has been… slow. I keep working on getting him to go outside, but we’re not quite there yet.

Today was a good example:

He went outside twice — long walks, lots of time in the woods.
Nothing.
Five minutes after coming inside? He goes on his puppy pad.
I’m super grateful he used the pad (thankfully he’s good about that), but I just can’t figure out what’s holding him back from going outside. I’m trying to stay patient, but it’s tough.

⏳ Chugging Along
Some days I feel like I’m failing him — like I’m not training him well enough, or not doing something right. But I keep trying. He did go outside twice today, and we had some nice walks. So I’m holding onto the little wins and reminding myself that this takes time.

I’m also nervous about traveling this summer and leaving him with someone else. I want him to be a bit more predictable and easier to care for by then. Hopefully, we’ll make some real progress soon.

🥣 Food Update: A Clear Favorite
On the upside, I’ve finally found a dog food that really works for both Stanley and me: Top Shelf Dog. He’s eating it consistently, it’s easy to serve, and it turns out to be the most cost-effective option I’ve tried.

Bonus: ordering it from Amazon is actually cheaper than buying directly from their website.

I also couldn’t resist a deal from Ollie — half off the first shipment and a free dog DNA test? Yes, please. That’s on the way, and I’ll report back once we try it.

🐕 First Small Dog Playgroup
This afternoon, Stanley has his first small dog playgroup! I’m hopeful he’ll do well — fingers crossed he makes some new friends and gets a little more confident around other dogs.

🐾 TL;DR: Puppies are hard. Stanley is adorable. I’m tired. But we’re figuring things out.

Any other puppy parents out there dealing with the same rollercoaster? Share your training wins (or fails!) and drop any playgroup or travel tips in the comments.

Stanley Update + BarkBox Review: Tiny Dog, Big Opinions

🐾 Housebreaking Progress (and Setbacks)

Stanley is doing pretty well overall — some days I’m convinced he’s completely housebroken, and then, out of nowhere, he’ll have an accident. It’s a journey.

He’s still not a fan of the outdoors. If it’s over 65° and sunny, he loves it and doesn’t want to come back in. But anything cooler, rainy, or even slightly cloudy? No thank you. Even with little jackets, he’ll turn around and bolt right back up the stairs to the door.

For now, we’re still using puppy pads in the house. Thankfully, he mostly uses them consistently.

🎓 Starting Dog Training Class

We start “Teenage Manners” class tomorrow! Fingers crossed he’s not the only tiny dog — it’d be nice for him to have a little buddy. He also starts Small Dog Playgroup next week, so we’ll see how that goes.

Some of the things I’m hoping to work on in class:

Better potty training habits
Reducing nipping
Food aggression
Chasing the cats
And I still can’t figure out how to teach him “lie down” — he’s so small it’s tough to lure him with a treat!

🐶 Evening Play & Snuggles

Stanley is a total love. He still gets crated during our dinner to prevent chaos with the cats, but once we’re done eating, we let him out and he gets super playful.

We sit on the floor and play fetch, and the cats even seem to enjoy the action. After that, Stanley crashes — we all move to the couch, and he curls up in someone’s lap and snoozes. It’s honestly my favorite time of day.

📦 BarkBox Review: 10/10, No Notes

I mentioned in a previous post that I ordered some BarkBox toys, and this week, Stanley got two boxes!

I saw an ad with some adorable toys that were only available to subscribers, so I signed up for a 6-month subscription. Let’s be real — 6 months’ worth of toys will probably last Stanley a lifetime. I opened the extra box of toys I picked out myself, and I have to say: these toys are awesome.

They’re: adorable, well made, and full of variety — squeakers, crinkles, textures, etc.

Stanley prefers plush toys, so that’s what I went with, and he genuinely loves every single one. His current favorite is a fried chicken bucket toy — it makes crinkly sounds, and he loves to chew it and carry it around. I need to get a better picture of him with his whole head in the bucket (which happens a lot).

The Chicken Bucket!

This sloth is almost as big as Stanley, but he loves it!

He also thinks the box that everything came in is pretty great!

The second box is our official BarkBox, which includes themed toys and treats. I got a bonus offer when signing up, so our first box has double toys and treats — can’t wait to open it this weekend, or as soon as I clean out the dog toy box and make room!

📣 Got Class Tips?
We’ll see how Stanley does in manners class this weekend — here’s hoping he doesn’t try to boss around the big dogs. 😅

If you’ve got any dog training class stories or tips for tiny dogs, I’d love to hear them! Let’s swap some puppy tales in the comments.

Spreading Joy, One Puppy Snuggle at a Time

Lately, I’ve been thinking about training Stanley to be a service dog — or maybe a therapy dog. I didn’t plan on it when I adopted him, but the more we go out together, the more it feels like the right path.

Everywhere we go, Stanley brings smiles.

At the chiropractor’s office, I met a man who recently lost his dog. He was quiet at first, but as he pet Stanley and we talked about rescues, his whole demeanor softened. Sharing Stanley with him felt incredibly meaningful.
At a local store, one woman nearly cried as she got the chance to snuggle him — something about his tiny body and calm nature just got to her.
At town hall, he became an instant celebrity. The women behind the counter lit up, eager to share stories of their own dogs.

Stanley may be small, but the joy he brings is huge.

I love seeing the way people connect with him. It’s more than just “he’s cute” — there’s something healing about the way he climbs into a lap or presses into someone’s chest with total trust. It reminds people of their own pets, their memories, and their capacity to love.

That’s why I’m seriously considering training him to be a certified therapy dog. I want to visit nursing homes, hospitals, anywhere he can bring comfort. If there’s a way to do that, we’re going to figure it out.

He’s brought so much love into my life already — I’d love to help him share that with others.

Would you be interested in following Stanley’s journey if I start training him to become a therapy or service dog? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences with therapy animals!

Dog Food Overload: Where Do You Even Start?

Dog food. How do you pick? There are so many options out there—canned, dry, fresh, frozen, air-dried, shelf-stable… and honestly, I had no clue how to decide.

My vet did recommend going with one of the fresher food options, especially since Stanley is so tiny. He said that for a small dog, the cost of high-quality food is a lot more manageable, and the nutritional quality is usually better.

So, in the spirit of this blog, I’ve ordered four different sample packs to test out.

1. Sundays for Dogs

This one looks like jerky—very minimal prep, human-grade ingredients, and totally shelf-stable. I love the convenience. For a Stanley-sized dog, this food would cost about $18.75 per week.

2. Spot & Tango (UnKibble)

I added this one after seeing it pop up on a few “top food” lists. It’s a dry but minimally processed food they call “UnKibble.” I ordered their Turkey and Sweet Potato recipe.
Price: $16.50 per week—the most affordable of the four.

3. The Pet’s Table

This brand offers both fresh food and air-dried options. I ordered a combo pack with:

Chicken Casserole with Green Beans (fresh)
Chicken & Sweet Potato, and Salmon & Whitefish with Pumpkin (air-dried)

They also throw in a free bag of chicken bite treats with every order as long as you stay subscribed.
Cost: $21.70/week, with slight discounts if you buy 8 weeks at a time or tweak the fresh/dry mix.

4. Happy Howl

I love the idea behind this one—it’s fresh food that stays shelf-stable until opened, so only one box at a time needs to go in the fridge. I ordered their variety pack with:

Grandma’s Beef Stew
Tasty Turkey Feast
Lamb Delight

This one comes in at $21.25/week for Stanley. Price may shift a bit based on the flavors I choose long-term.

The Plan (and the Problem)

Now that I’ve ordered all four, I need to create a smart plan to test them—without upsetting Stanley’s little tummy. Switching foods too fast is never a good idea, so we’ll go slow.

What am I looking for?

High-quality ingredients
Convenience
Something Stanley is excited to eat
And all else being equal? I’ll go with the more affordable option.

I’d also love to try Ollie and The Farmer’s Dog down the line, but these four stood out first. I originally planned to test just three—but Spot & Tango’s ingredients, price, and single protein per flavor really appealed to me.

What He’s Eating Now

Right now, Stanley is on Dr. Harvey’s, a mix-you-add-your-own-protein-to food that worked wonderfully for Cali. It was a great option for her kidney issues—customizable, tasty, and way better than the expensive prescription foods she refused to eat.

But for puppies, Dr. Harvey’s recommends adding protein, oil, plain yogurt, and cottage cheese—a little more involved than I’d like. It’s great food, but not the simplest option when there are other fresh choices that come ready to go.

Let’s Compare Together!

The samples should start arriving next week, and I’ll be blogging our journey as Stanley and I go through each one.

Do you feed your dog a fresh or air-dried food? I’d love to hear what you’re using and how it’s working for you. Drop your favorites (or fails!) in the comments—I’m always open to suggestions!

Meet Stanley!

“Henry” the rescue pup is officially settling into his forever home—now with his real name: Stanley! We had a long list of potential names before we brought him home, and Stanley wasn’t even on it. But after trying all our favorites and not finding the right fit, my husband suddenly said, “Stanley!”—and we all just knew. Somehow, it fits him perfectly.

First Vet Visit

Stanley had his first vet visit on Monday, and overall he got a great report. The vet was genuinely impressed with his personality—he couldn’t believe how sweet and calm this little guy is. While he’s definitely underweight, there were no signs of serious malnourishment. His heart, lungs, joints, and everything else looked great.

We did a fecal test and found out he has Coccidia and Giardia—not unexpected for a puppy in his situation. Thankfully, we caught both early, and he hasn’t shown any symptoms yet. I’ll be picking up meds for him today, and both parasites should clear up without much trouble.

Stanley, the Social Butterfly

I’ve had so much fun showing Stanley off. He came with me to get the car serviced and calmly sat in my lap the whole time. He’s already met one of my friends (and her cat) when we picked up a crate, and he even attended a three-hour jewelry-making class with me!

He was a hit—passed from lap to lap, giving out puppy kisses like candy. My teacher loved him and carried him around for half the class. When he wasn’t being doted on, he relaxed quietly in his carrier and chewed on his toy. Stanley clearly just wants to be near people. Even when I sit on the floor to play, he often brings his toy back to my lap to chew. He’s a total snugglebug.

Feeding & Food Plans

The vet recommended feeding him small, frequent meals, and Stanley seems very happy with that schedule. Right now, he’s eating a bland prescription food I started when he arrived, but I’m transitioning him to Dr. Harvey’s, which I still have from Cali. It’s great food—customizable and high-quality—but it does require adding cooked protein and mixing it yourself.

For a puppy who doesn’t need a specialized diet, that feels like more work than necessary. I’ve ordered a trial of The Pets Table, and I’m planning to review a few fresh food options in the coming months. Dr. Harvey’s has been great, but there are so many easier, excellent choices out there now.

Training Progress

I’m following Zac George’s positive reinforcement methods for early training and really liking the results so far. I’ve signed Stanley up for a small dog playgroup and a basic manners class, both starting next month. Until then, we’re building a solid foundation at home.

I’ve also found ChatGPT super helpful for quick, specific training tips—like how to discourage barking at the cats (work in progress!).

Stanley is eager to please but very picky about treats, which surprised me considering his background. He seems to like dehydrated meat the most, so I’ve stocked up. I’m trying to keep spending in check, but… puppies need a lot! He’s also getting a growing wardrobe of sweatshirts—he’s clearly still adjusting to the cold New England weather, and his underweight frame doesn’t help.

Dinner Table Drama

His first night home, he was desperately trying to jump onto the dinner table—absolutely obsessed with our food. For now, we’ve implemented a strict no table food policy, which may evolve later, but right now it’s necessary. The good news? He’s learning fast.

Just last night, I was able to sit on the couch with him in my lap, eating a snack while he slept. That’s huge progress in less than a week!

The Real Talk

I’m happy. I’m exhausted. I don’t regret getting this puppy—but I also knew better. I knew I didn’t want to start over with a puppy.

And yet… here I am.

The work is real. The fatigue is real. But the rewards? Absolutely worth it.

Let’s Hear Your Puppy Stories!

If you’ve brought home a puppy recently—or remember the chaos and cuteness from years ago—I’d love to hear your stories! What worked for you when it came to training, feeding, or just surviving those early days?

Also, if you’ve found a fresh dog food brand you love, especially one that’s puppy-appropriate and convenient, I’m all ears. Stanley and I are on the hunt for the right fit, and your recommendations could make a big difference.

Drop your stories, tips, and food recs in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

He’s HERE!

After many sleepless nights filled with nerves and excitement, I finally picked up our new pup yesterday! The whole process was so smooth—huge thanks to Live Free Pet Rescue for the seamless transport and organization.

We had a 2.5-hour drive to the pickup location. The rescue gave us a four-hour pickup window, then texted a more exact ETA the morning of—earlier than expected, so we had to hustle! I met a friend partway, hopped in her car, and off we went. I was excited but also nervous. I’d never adopted a pet sight unseen before. What if he wasn’t a good fit? What if he didn’t like me? So many questions—but I trusted the rescue and what I already knew about this little guy.

At the meeting point, we checked in, finalized payment, and picked up his paperwork. While waiting in line, I chatted with other adopters and watched excited families meet their pups—it was so fun seeing names I recognized, including some of my pup’s siblings!

When it was finally our turn, I gave his rescue name—Henry—and handed over his new collar. The moment they brought him out, I got teary. He was so tiny. So skinny. But full of puppy kisses. The rescue snapped a photo of our first moments together, and then we were off.

He was a total angel in the car, curled up asleep in my lap. Later, as I switched cars for the final leg home, he gave my friend plenty of kisses to thank her for the ride, and settled quietly into his carrier.

At home, he greeted my husband and son with tail wags and cuddles. He played, explored, and climbed into everyone’s laps—he’s truly an equal opportunity napper.

He had a good dinner but wasn’t thrilled about the cold outdoors. Potty training will take some patience, but we’ll get there.

That night, he slept straight through in his crate. I checked on him a few times—he was out cold. At 7 a.m., I tried to wake him to go outside, but he just burrowed deeper and went back to sleep. I let him snooze another 90 minutes before he was ready to start his day.

He’s had a full day of snuggles, and we even made a quick trip to the pet store—carried the whole time, of course, until our vet clears him for dog interactions. I needed to fit him for a harness since his martingale collar was too big. No way was I risking a loose collar outside!

So far, he’s eating well, adjusting to outdoor potty trips, and using his indoor pads too. He loves his little sweatshirts and definitely needs some time to get used to New England weather.

Tonight, he’s already excelling as my work-from-home buddy—and we’re still working on choosing his forever name.

Vet check-up is tomorrow. Fingers crossed it all looks good!

Have you ever adopted or rescued a pet without meeting them first? I’d love to hear your stories—did it work out for you too?

Planning for “Henry”

Losing Cali has been incredibly hard. The past few weeks have felt like an emotional roller coaster—grief and sadness one day, joy and purpose the next. Taking care of a foster dog brought real happiness, even though saying goodbye when she was adopted came with a twinge of sadness too. I was thrilled for her to find her forever home, but part of me missed her already.

Now, I’m facing all the questions that come with opening your heart again: Am I ready for a new dog? What kind of dog is right for me? When is the right time? Male or female? Short hair or long hair?

A Familiar Face
I spent countless hours scrolling through adoptable pups, but one little face kept popping up—Henry. A tiny Chihuahua mix, around 8 months old and just 5 pounds, he showed up again and again in my social media feeds. It felt like a sign.

About ten days ago, I gave in to the feeling that I needed him in my life. I submitted my application late one night, and by the next morning, I got a call from the rescue—Henry was still available, and my application was pre-approved.

The rescue contacted my vet, called a reference, and asked for photos of my home and yard. If all went well, Henry would be arriving on a transport from the South in a couple of weeks. I’d need to head to Connecticut to pick him up—but I was all in.

A Change of Heart
But it was all just too much, too fast. I panicked and backed out. I told the adoption counselor I wasn’t ready—that it felt overwhelming and rushed.

A week went by. But Henry kept showing up. His little face was still everywhere. And the house? It felt so empty.

I missed it all—the morning walks, the quiet companionship during the day, the routine of feeding a dog, the warmth of a snuggle on the couch. The absence was loud. And the feeling that maybe I was ready started creeping back in.

Back to Henry
By Wednesday, I’d had enough. The emptiness, the second-guessing—I was ready. It was time for a new dog.

That night, I talked to my husband, then messaged Henry’s adoption counselor: Any chance he’s still available?

She replied almost immediately—he had just become available again. She said she’d call me in the morning.

All In (and a Little Freaked Out)
Yesterday was chaos. I was making a video tour of the house, fielding rapid-fire questions about the dog, the adoption process, the costs, vet info, pick-up day and location. Sending the deposit. Confirming everything. It seemed crazy that Henry had been adopted, and then the people had to cancel, the very day that I reached out about him again.

And then—I panicked.
How can I adopt a dog I’ve never met? What if he hates me? What if he hates Dave? The stress hit hard. I made myself physically sick just trying to process it all.

Thankfully, my daughter and a few close friends talked me through the spiral. By last night, the panic had softened into something else—excitement. I was still nervous, but I felt that spark of joy and anticipation.

I made plans to pick him up. I ordered the martingale collar the rescue requires. I started a list of supplies to bring for the car ride—everything I could think of to make him feel safe and comfortable on his way home.

This Morning: Clarity
This morning, I woke up to two videos from Henry’s foster mom—and just like that, I knew. I’d made the right decision.

This little boy is perfect. His tiny paws, his dark eyes, that little face… I’m already in love.

We’ll figure it out together. He’ll learn our rhythm, and we’ll learn his. He’ll adjust to our home, and we’ll make space for each other. It’s all going to work out.

See you soon, little Henry.
(Or… whatever your new name will be!)

Has anyone adopted a dog without meeting it? Have you picked up from a transport? Send me your advice, thoughts, tips, etc.

Grieving and Fostering

Grieving is hard. Letting go is harder. Everything in the house reminds me of Cali, but I’m healing slowly. Trying to focus on the happy memories.

A rescue I volunteer for put out a call for fosters yesterday. They needed seven fosters. I looked through all the little faces, all the different colors, and one caught my eye. She wasn’t a chubby little 3 month old puppy. She was a one year old lab mix that looked like she was holding the weight of the world on her little black shoulders.

I knew I wasn’t ready for a puppy, but maybe I could deal with this older dog? I wrote the volunteer coordinator and offered to come meet the dog, but someone had beaten me to it. OK, that’s good I thought, at least she found a foster home.

A couple of hours later, I got a message that the other foster family picked a puppy, and the other dog was still available. I replied right away and said I would come get her. It seemed meant to be!

When I went to pick her up, she was leaning into the legs of the volunteer that brought her out. She seemed so scared. Who knows what this sweet girl has been through in the past year?

I bent down to her and diverted my eyes, eventually she approached and I was able to pat her velvety, soft ears. She was reluctant to leave the safety of the shelter, but she followed me with a little reassurance. We walked outside for a couple of minutes before I tried to convince her to get in the car. She wasn’t interested, but she let me pick her up and put her in.

The drive home was a little chaotic. She was clearly scared and talking to her helped, but not enough. She tried to climb from the backseat to the front, then she climbed in the back. I cracked a window for her and she calmed a little as she sniffed the air.

Once we got home, she got right out of the car, but didn’t want to go in the house. We walked around the yard for 20 minutes or so, sniffing the air, the snow, the mud. Eventually we approached the door again and she followed me inside.

I did what I needed to do while she basically stayed glued to my legs. I fed her dinner, but she seemed too nervous to eat. Eventually we settled in the living room, where she immediately jumped up and snuggled on the couch. We try to keep the couch as a cat safety zone, so I set up a blanket on the floor for her, and sat on the floor with her. I had to correct her a couple of times, but she eventually figured out that the floor was her place. As I put on the TV and relaxed, she stayed close, but sniffed her way around the room, and eventually ate her dinner.

We had a nice quiet night, lots of pats and snuggles. She didn’t want to go into her crate to sleep, but with some treats and coaxing, she went in. She barked a few times and settled down.

This morning we went for a nice walk around the neighborhood. She’s pretty good on a leash, stays right by my side. The hard part is not tripping over her because she wants to be SO close. She’s currently sitting next to me while I type, I think this girl would be an amazing companion for someone who works from home. She’s a perfect medium size, calm and so very sweet.

My heart is so happy to be able to help this girl, and selfishly to have a dog to take care of, and collar tags to jingle in the house. I hope she finds her forever home quickly, but maybe not too quickly!

Updates and a Vet Visit

The house is quiet. I was trying hard to fight the grief, but realized it was a losing battle. I’m giving it its time and place. Cali will always be missed.

My cats had their yearly checkups today and I almost cancelled. I wasn’t sure I was ready to go back to the vet’s office, but I did and it was hard but fine. The staff is so wonderful and caring.

Bean didn’t want to stay on the scale for the vet, but he did like hiding out behind it. Poor little Puck was very shy. He stayed in his carrier until we had to take him out for his exam and then he scurried right back in.

Both cats got clean bills of health, Yay! Their vaccines were updated, and they were checked over. Puck may need his teeth cleaned at some point in the near future, but he is good for now.

Puck’s recovering from his traumatic car ride and vet visit in his cozy crate!

The Dragon enjoyed a sink bath yesterday. Usually she swims around for a bit and then tries to get out of the sink, but she spent a good 20 minutes in there yesterday, and still didn’t want to come out, so I had to just take her out and go do something else. I’ll give her a chance for another bath in a couple of days.

Hector is doing well. She’s such a great comfort. She’s always there to whistle and keep me company.

I’m starting to think about another dog. Part of me was thinking that maybe I wouldn’t get another dog ever, that I’d free myself up to travel, but the truth is I hate not having a dog. I had to walk to the neighbor’s to return a piece of mail that was accidentally delivered to us the other day, and it was so awful to me to go for a walk without a dog. I miss all of it, yes the snuggles, but I even miss taking care of a dog, playing with a dog, the feeding, grooming, putting her out, all of it. I’m not in a rush. I want to make sure I find the right new friend, but I think with some patience, the right rescue will find its way to me. For now, I’ve got kitty, parrot, and dragon friends to keep me busy!

Our Spicy Little Cali Girl

It’s so hard to type this, but we had to say good bye to our Cali this morning. I hate how quiet the house is.

Last week was rough. It was basically a full time job taking care of her, but we made it work, and enjoyed every second we had with her.

She went to the vet every day last week for IV fluids. We tried meds to stimulate her appetite, and even an injection of anti-nausea med on Friday, but nothing was helping.

I tried all her favorite foods, chicken, deli turkey, ice cream, whipped cream, popcorn, gatorade, broth, she didn’t want anything. She ate a spoonful of whipped cream on Saturday and that was about it.

She really enjoyed the fireplace this weekend. On Saturday, she grabbed the closest spot to the fire, so we let her have that spot, and put our chairs next to hers. Yesterday, she slept most of the day, and then got up and walked into the living room and snuggled up by the fireplace, waiting for us to light a fire for her, which of course we did!

Thankfully, she seemed comfortable over the weekend, she was lethargic and slept a lot, but she was able to go outside to pee and enjoyed sniffing the air and walking in the snow.

Last night, I slept in my daughter’s bed with her. When my daughter was home, Cali always slept with her and she was very comfortable there.

We headed to the vet this morning. We talked about rechecking her kidney values, and maybe giving her more fluids, but for what? She wasn’t eating, or even drinking on her own. Her kidneys weren’t coming back. We FaceTimed our daughter who couldn’t be with us, but Cali got to see her and hear her voice, and she got to say goodbye. Goodbye is so freaking hard. With the vet’s help, she passed peacefully snuggled up in my lap.

When we got home, the cats were howling at us, and even Hector the parrot seemed upset. I had to snuggle the cats, and explain to Hector what was going on. She was listening to me so intently, tilting her head to take in every word. I think she understands. I think the cats also know and understand.

As my daughter said, our lab Cheese will no doubt great Cali with open paws, even if she feels the need to chew on his ears like she always used to. Love you Cali girl! Please give all your pets an extra snuggle from me today.