The Best of 2016

As 2016 came to a close this weekend I could not help but look back on what a great year we had. I am so blessed to have so many people in my life to call my friends but one thing in particular sticks out the most of why 2016 was so great.

Newman. 

All my life I have wanted a dog to call "my own" and 2016 was the year for me. I moved out of my parents house in 2011 and headed off to college. I was never financially ready for the responsibility of a four legged friend, but I would still visit the humane society on a weekly basis for a couple of years, dreaming and waiting for my time. 

Once I got out of college and got a full time job, we decided to start looking for puppies.  Eeeeekkkk of course I would take in a blind or a three legged dog, just to have one. But Dennis wanted a slower process. 

We found Newman and haven't been happier. Having a puppy of our own has been a huge responsibly and I'm so blessed to have Dennis along for the ride. Newman isn't easy, but he's a work in progress. 

A dog is a forever "purchase" and something I will never give up on. I can't imagine my life without this crazy shithead and I'm so happy he came in our lives when he did. We have never been more active, worried, or ready to rush home in the last 3 years before Newman. 

He's the best!

Christmas Card 2016

This month has been everything but calm. I have been all over the placed emotionally and physically. I'm ready for a fresh start in 2017. But first, what a year it has been.

Turkey Run State Park

Last weekend my sweet sweet Dennis, got me the GoPro Hero 5 for my birthday. We like to hike and explore and what better way than to start documenting our adventure with this camera! We had high hopes for this camera and were so excited to video and take picture this weekend on our hike. Although we weren't too thrilled about the outcome of the quality of the videos and photos, below are some of my favorite that turned out ok! 

Turkey Run State Park was by far one for the books this weekend. Neither of us had been here before and this might have become our favorite spot. And after our poor experience with the GoPro we will certainly have to go back to get getting quality photos! Turkey Run is about an hour and a half West, from Indianapolis. This is a typical driving distance from he city to really get in the heart of nature and explore its beauty. 

If you are bring a pet these trails are very doable, just make sure you look at the map first and avoid the trails with ladders. Our pup is large so carrying him up wooden ladders would not be enjoyable. For us or the dog. We did see one lady carrying her four legged friend in a chest baby carrier. Whatever gets you out of the house, right! Newman did really well and this was one of the easier hikes we have taken him on. He loves running through leaves so taking him here during the fall was thrilling for him. 

This trail was moderate with some tight areas along cliffs, but if you watch your step you'll be good to go. 

Depending on the weather I would dress appropriate, but there was no tall brush to walk through so long pants and tall socks weren't needed. The trails were fairly wide and even are shared in some areas with horses. Our hound dog, found plenty of scents along the way. You did have to walk through... or jump over a few streams down in the covers, so I would recommend closed toe shoes. 

Dear Neighborhood Pet Store,

Today I felt like the biggest piece of sh*#. Raising a dog is much harder than it looks and sometimes I just feel like I'm doing it all wrong. Today I feel broken and confused. I'm not sure if this is normal, I'm not even sure how to fully process what has happened today. Or I might just be over reacting and taking it too personally.... Which is likely.  Is this how it feel to be a parent? I can't fathom how I'm going to feel when I raise a tiny human.

Dennis and I both work full time so Newman is home all day by himself for the most part. So our weekends are great to wear him out and play all day with him. This week he has chewed on my favorite throw pillow, and chewed a hole in our brand new rug... That we didn't even have it for a full 48 hours until he got ahold of it. With the start of the week already in shambles, I'm not surprise what was to follow.

Newman is wonderful at home with just the two of us(and the cats), but when we get in public he cannot contain his excitement. I swear he's a different dog. once we leave the house I'm a nervous wreck. 

So here I am Pet Supplies plus, apologizing.  I want to say sorry for the mess I left in your store and the sceen that occurred. Newman is only a puppy I am a new doggy mom and we are still learning how to behave in public. I understand we looked like a hot mess together, but I promise you we are working on our behavior every day. Newman does not get the privilege to go in stores and outings often, and I'm sure you understand why after we left.

I want to thank you for having such a wonderful toy isle. Newman seemed to approve when he had to pick up every ball in sight and throw down on the floor, causing them to bounce throughout the store. Oh and the stuffed toys, those were great too. He managed to get slobber on one in result making me have to buy it. It of course had a squeaker... we try to stay away from those, because I can't think straight when Newman chews on one all night.

After we somewhat composed ourselves we headed for the checkout lane.... I just needed out of there.  With parents hiding their children from the tiny lady trying to keep her dog on all fours was a no-brainer. I don't blame them. 

Back in the car I lost it. How could something/someone I have such a bond with completely ignore me and disrespect me in public? I was humiliated.

This must be how it feels for parents when their children throw a tantrum in the candy isle at Target. But at least your child is small enough to pick up and carry out of the store without everyone watching.  I can't carry my 55 lb pup with a bag of kitty litter in one hand.

Once I got home and let out a far share of tears I managed to forgive my turd of a dog and go on with my day. This experience, in the long run opened my eyes to let me know that he needs more training and how to act in public places. And it just doesn't happen over night.  We are working on this and will conquer it one day. We promise.

It just might take us a couple weeks.

You Know You're a Dog Mom if.....

I feel like a lot of people I know are making the wonderful decision of getting a puppy. Like some, this took a lot of planning and decision making. I had to beg and beg for almost a year, until I got my Newman. I'm sure it didn't help that every puppy I saw I wanted to take home. But we finally found ours and made sure it was the right time in our lives. We just bought a house, so getting a dog next just made sense.

I grew up with dogs, but never had to raise one myself. To be honest the first couple of days were hell. He wouldn't stop whining and I felt like I was doing something wrong. After all, it's just a puppy, how hard could it be? Well,  I was certainly in for a treat. The second night after we brought him home I was in tears because I thought even a baby would have been easier at the moment. But I kept telling myself, we were all adjusting. Though a lot has gotten better, Newman still knows how to test my patience and make this momma bear not happy.

Newman has now become our little slice of heaven and sometimes I feel like we took on more than we can handle, but he makes life fun and unexpected. Here are just a few things I have learned from being a recent dog mom. 

1.You take millions of picture of them sleeping or just sitting still. No just me? I constantly catch myself having to clear more space in my phone by deleting random pictures of Newman... that all look the same. Please tell me I'm not the only one for this one. 

2.You have to train them to not sleep in your bed... and fail miserably. When we first became pup-parents we made a no dog in the bed rule. That quickly changed, because he was miserable sitting on the ground looking up at us with those big sad puppy dog eyes. But luckily it's turned into a weekend only thing. Newman is almost 50lbs and there just instead enough space for him anymore. 

3. You dress them up. Again, we made a rule before getting him that we weren't going to be those weird people that dress up there dog... Well, Dennis said nothing about not putting him in my clothes (jackets and hoodies) and of course I became hooked and now I feel like he needs his own closet. 

4.Snapchat just makes more sense now. Dog filter without a dog? Just doesn't feel right. Now, you and a friend plus your dog can all have puppy faces! It's just the best. 

5.You start to buy healthy food so you both can share..Sometimes I catching myself writing down fruit and veggies on the grocery list to give to the dog and not with the intention of eating them myself. I'm pretty sure he eats better than the humans in the house. (Insert head in palm)

6. You buy furniture for yourself, but they quickly claim it before you can... I went our and rewarded myself the other week and got a outdoor chase lounge. By the time I unfolded it, went inside to get a drink, came back out, Newman was already chilling like he's order it on Amazon and has been waiting for me to open the box... 

How do YOU know you're a dog Mom?

If you would like to see update pictures of Newman follow along on my Instagram page.

Healthy Snacks for your Dog

What furry friend doesn't like sweet treats? I'm sure the same boring dry food gets old after a while, so why not switch things up a bit and keep them happy and healthy? Here are just a few ways I do so and they are all "Newman Approved".

I want to first start off by saying I am not a health expert or veterinarian. I am only sharing information from person experiences and what I have learned from other dog parents and what has worked best with my pup. Also this new pupmom has done her fare share of googling and worrying.

Sweet Potato Chews
These are SO easy to make and your dog will eat them up in no time! No really, they do take a while to bake and I felt like Newman went through 3 potatoes in a matter of days, ok 2 weeks. This was a fantastic healthy treat when training our pup to get in and out of his kennel and while potty training. He even caught on to the word "potato" and ran to the kitchen wagging his sweet little tail. I have made these time and time again, and Newman is only 5 months. Should I start growing them in my garden next summer? I might be on to something here.

Carrots 
Now this one took some time and a few tries. I first started off by cutting them into smaller pieces and freezing them for a cold treat, but Newman wasn't into it. We switched things up and went a little more basic.... eating them right from the bag. Carrots can be kind of a mess, but he loves them so much he will eat every crumb. 

Frozen Peas
Newman's MOST favorite treat so far!! Newman will roll and roll until he can get the entire bag. He is all ears when you open the freezer and shake the bag of peas. I loved training him with these because although he is smart, it took a few tries to master some tricks. These were certainly a "guilt free" treats when teaching new habits. 

 

Watermelon 

This is a great sweet summer treat! Make sure it is SEEDLESS watermelon and let them go to town!(Stay away from the rind.)  Here I cut up a watermelon in cubes for myself and instead of throwing the rest away, I let Newman take a few licks before throwing it in the compost. He LOVED this new snack.

Weekend Getaway: Corey Lake, Michigan

I'm a little over due, but a few weekends ago, we all went to Lake Michigan! This has been a place where Dennis and I have gone for several years, with his family. It's a small quite lake, for this tiny family of ours which = perfection. This year we brought along our Newman! While my momma bear mode kicked in a few times, with Newman jumping in the water for the first time, and standing at the tip of the boat catching all the wind in his ears. Besides those moments of pure terror it was relaxing weekend with the family. 

Ok, everyone knows that I can be a bit of a control freak. This weekend was no exception. With taking on the new role of "doggy parent" I have been a worrying mess. . . 24/7 I have this new living creature that depends on me to keep him safe, healthy, and most importantly alive. ( I can't imagine having a child) He's full of energy and always on the go. I never want to loos this four legged turd, but I am doing my best to "loosen" the leash.

Walks are a must to get this little growing guys energy out, and Lake Michigan was the best spot to do so. The weather, the trails, everything was wonderful. Love my shirt? If you have a pup, this shirt is a MUST. Taylor over at the The Daily Tay  is the wonder genius that sells these shirts!You can order yours on her Etsy Page along with a few other most haves. I might have order the "Let's Day Drink" shirt too.
Shhhhh

^^^I think lily pads are my new favorite thing

Boat rides out on the lake to attempt to catch a few fish. . .  only caught 2.  Which lead to a 2 week sunburn on my legs that pealed for another 2 weeks... it was great.

I mean, look how crystal clear this water is? How is this not paradise.

Newman liked loved rolling around in the sand all day, and

Wherever we travel, we must find a hiking trail. . .  must.

This trail was a floating walkway on top of a small part of the lake. It weaved in and out though brush and plants. Something I've never experienced before. It was wobbly and uneven, but very adventurous and something we will make a tradition out of.

This place was heaven and the perfect getaway with our family just for the weekend.

At first we both weren't excited about driving in the back, but it was nice to caught up on some Zzz's 

SaveSave

Sunday's with Newman

Sunday's are for rolling around in the grass with your dog... or and if you can squeeze a Starbucks in you're golden! Some of you may not know, but we drove to North Carolina to pick up our sweet boy. He was born on a farm with sheep and donkeys. So now back here in Indianapolis Newman just loved to lay in the grass and be outside. If he could do it all day I'm sure he would. 

Look at that smile^^^ 

S'more Family Weekend in Indianapolis

Family family family! I miss my family! Every single one of them.... even you Nick. (My sister's fiancé) They mean the world to me and I am counting the days until they come visit..... 16 days to be exact.

We finally got to break in out new fire pit the right way. Around two greedy dogs, and a 3 year old that wanted to pretty much jump into the fire.... Ideal right?

I think this kid had about 6. . .  I'm not kidding.

THIS kid! He is so full of life, sarcasm, and just plain wit. He knows how to make everyone smile and feel so loved.  

^ I think I need a whiskey and coke to calm this baby fever.

I wouldn't be upset if Eli took up baseball.... just maybe his momma shouldn't teach him how to swing.

Starbucks and toddles...wait now I'm in heaven. Of course Eli didn't "like" his small frappuccino and insisted we trade with my large.

This is pretty much how every family weekend ends up. We are always on the go and never sitting still, trying to make the most out of our visit and naps a rare... Hints why the boys got to squeeze in a nap while the ladies get ready. 

Homemade Dog Treats: Sweet Potato Chews

With how pricy dog treats can be and how sensitive my pups tummy is Sweet Potato Treats are a must. 

Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treat Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 250* F

Slice sweet potatoes long ways into 1/4" think strips using a sharp knife or you can use a mandolin. (which seems much easier and I will be ordering this bad boy for next time.)

If you aren't using the mandolin, lay the potato on it's side and make one slice and then turn on the flat side and start cutting strips. 

Once the slicing is done put all slices in a bowl and add a splash of olive oil. 

Stir and toss well to coat throughly. 

Place on a cookie sheet, lined with aluminum foil. 

Bake for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. 

Allow to cool and store in the refrigerator in a airtight container. You can store them up to 3 weeks or even in the freezer for up to 4 months. 

These are Newman's FAVORITE treat in the world! Give them a try and let me know how your pup like them!