I’m a Crazy Dog Lady

We welcomed a fifth child into our home this year. She was wanted, by me, but Jeff was more or less pressured into it. The result? Chaos in the home and I’ve turned into Crazy Dog Lady.

Yes, Ivy made her way into our home and (most of our) hearts this year, and I might have gone a little overboard with it all. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve created a diva dog.

I’d never had to be the main caregiver for a dog before so I didn’t really know what went into it all until I was in the thick of it. And then we decided to hire a trainer to curb bad behaviors. Mostly the human behaviors in the house, since dog trainers actually train the humans! Did you know that?

We allow her on the furniture, she started counter surfing to get food off the kitchen counter and has figured out how to get back inside when we lock her outside. She just wants to be hear us!

We were told that Ivy is getting a lot of attention, maybe too much. And that means she’s constantly craving more attention! She barks to remind us (me, mostly) that she needs love and pets.

I take Ivy with me when I leave the house as often as I can. I even bought a fanny pack that I wear when I have her so I can carry poop bags and dog treats. (Hey, fanny packs are back in style again!) Sure, I can leave her at home in her crate. But she’s a social breed and would rather be around people and even other dogs. So when I just can’t bring her with me, I’ll sometimes put her in doggie day care.

And if you ask me how she’s doing? Just like I did when my kids were younger, I’ll whip out my phone and show off the 100 photos I have of her. So ask with caution!

Even though we’ve had our fair share of socks eaten and a number of emergency trips to the vet as a result, I can’t imagine life without her. She keeps us all on our toes–and the kids have stopped leaving their shoes all over the house for fear Ivy will make them her next snack.

Yes, she rules the house, but we’re working on it. She’s incredibly smart and very sweet. And she even has her own Instagram account, if you want to see what she’s up to!