Here we go...

Oh yes.

After much discussion, debate and research...

We are now a dog family--again.

We went to check out the litter (--the fourth time for me but the first time for Rustin) fully intending to pick a cute little golden retriever female, but the dogs told us otherwise.  Actually, one little cutie in particular helped make our decision.

A cute (and big)  ivory golden retriever boy attached himself to Rustin.  It was actually really interesting to see.  The other puppies bounced around jumping on our legs and jostling to get the best scratch...  One puppy just glued his eyes on Rustin and followed him patiently.

I have to say I was  impressed with the little guy's taste--I generally follow Rustin around myself...

The clencher for me was when the little three year old grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and drug him across the floor.  He just looked up at her--not a growl struggle or whimper.

At home for the first night, Jenna has willingly taken on the roll of 'little mama.'  She is currently sleeping on the floor next to the kennel in the family room.  I have declared that we will have no dogs in the bedrooms.  It's just too messy.  And I am anticipating Golden hair...

There was a little whining in the crate tonight at first but I snuck my hand in the side door and scratched his soft puppy hair until he fell asleep.  Two minutes.  Honestly.  I am beginning to realize how seriously hard Molly (our last dog--beagle) was.  We endured HOURS of whining and howling that only a fellow beagle owner can appreciate.

Anyway, tomorrow will start some basic training from my favorite training method of course!

The Training levels by Sue Ailsby 

And I went back and read the early days of Sue's assistance dog's training.

I am excited to work with a dog that is a bit easier to train and I can't wait to put all the blood-sweat-and-tears knowledge from past experience to work!  Of course, in the realm of dog training I am completely a novice but hey--it's all fun.