Sometime before Labor Day last year Harley and I took a late afternoon stroll on one of our familiar routes. He wags his tail at everyone, so we generally stop and chat along the way to all the neighbors. As we approached a friendly faced gentlemen washing his car, we slowed down to speak and the man asked me “So, have you decided on a new puppy yet?” My first response was visual and immediate. I shook my head back and forth and as I got closer I spoke with confidence – “nope.” Perhaps it was the tone in my voice or the instant tear filled eyes that caused him to never ask that question again.
- This was something I could not fathom.
- There was just no way.
- It felt disloyal to Leo.
Summer disappeared and fall snuck in and out rather quietly. We were learning our new normal.
By winter, Harley was no longer interested in me on all fours with a ball barking back trying to impersonate a doodle romp. #truestories
I was spending more and more time at the computer and he was spending more and more time in the recliner watching me. By the time 2015 rolled in, he had gained a pound and I had gained more 🙁
In the weeks ahead, I’ll fill you all in on the:
- When (did I decide this)
- Why (I changed my mind)
- Where (did I find him)
But for now – please let me introduce to you
JAXSON AKA “JAX”
The name Jaxson (like Harley) was inspired by my other passion – motorcycles! One of my all time favorite shows on FX was “Son’s of Anarchy” and I became a huge fan of the character “Jax Teller”…
courtesy of bloggar.expressen.se
My Jax was born on December 30th and licked my face for the first time on March 8th…
Since his arrival, I must tell you having a very young puppy in the house is like a whole new world to me. I will not lie. As hard as I try, it’s close to impossible for me to muster up any relevant memories (in detail) of a 10 week old Harley. I’ve tried it sober and I’ve tried it after a couple of glasses of wine. Both times I come up with nothing!
I can only tell you this – Jax is jam packed with more energy than I could have ever imagined…
He’s eating well, peeing constantly, and making us all laugh out loud for the silliest reasons. Well, not all of us are laughing…
This first week, Harley is teaching Jax “boundaries.” I know not to interfere because this is a process. Harley will never hurt or harm Jax, but he’s got to establish some “house rules.”
Harley wants Jax to know:
- what to touch
- how close to come
- and so far this little guy is becoming an excellent student…
Be kind to someone today, say something nice, make their weekend! As always, thanks so much for reading – come back for more adventures with me and my boys!
March 12, 2015
I am soooo happy for you. I knew something was up when you talked about it on Valentine’s day
I can’t wait to see my new doodle nephew. Enjoy and have fun getting acquainted.
March 13, 2015
And your new doodle nephew can’t wait to see you too!
March 12, 2015
We are so happy for your family. Leo would want you all to find a new fur baby. No one will ever take Leo’s place, but Jax will open a whole new memory book. Enjoy the puppihood. It is over before you know it. Take tons of photos too because he will grow like a weed.
March 13, 2015
Thanks Emma! Harley and I are both so ready for this. I love having him here with us. Don’t you worry – there will be lot’s of pictures too, I promise!
March 12, 2015
When I got Dash a friend at work said: “oh a puppy, I don’t know if I could ever go through puppyhood again.” I brushed off her comment like she was silly. Oh lord, now I have to say … I don’t know if I could go through puppyhood again. Wait, yes, I could. And you all are how I know I could! I am so very happy for you and your family. Jax is so lucky to have you all in his life now. What fun, fun, fun. I am so glad you decided to bring Jax into Doodleville. We shall watch with great interest. Hip Hip Hooray! And I think I hear Leo cheering for his Doodle mom who is laughing with and loving little Jax.
March 13, 2015
Deirdre – Puppyhood is no joke! It is a lot of work, so I can definitely relate to your friend from work! However, the difference I think with you and I (and many of our pet parent friends) is that we know – understand and accept the responsibility because of the tremendous joy, love, and companionship the time spent will bring. Therefore I’ll do all the puppy things I need to do with a smile and a giggle because I love having them in my life! You’ve now got to come back to VA – because you’ve just got to meet Jax!
March 16, 2015
Jax is so cute!! Congrats! I gotta come see you guys sometime..we can chill and have a glass of wine. Let me know when you are free! Miss you guys!!
March 16, 2015
Hi Traci – that would be great. I still follow everything that you’re doing. I’m so proud of you. I will probably start joining you when the weather gets a little warmer. I want to socialize Jax once his shots are completed. Good to hear from you.
March 12, 2015
Oh my gosh!! Congratulations!! Jax is SO cute!!!
March 13, 2015
Thanks Lauren Miller –
March 12, 2015
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!
So precious and so very happy for all!
I’m sure Leo has sent his blessings as well. 🙂
March 13, 2015
I believe he has Scottie, I believe he has!
March 12, 2015
Max is so cute. Since I just came out of that, “very young” puppy stage, I understand. The “water works” (pee) never seems to stop. In fact, Ziggy still has to Go Potty every two hours on the nose. I have absolutely No social life 🙂 But I have no regrets only love love love for my Ziggster. Harley is going to be a Great big brother and teach Jax All the tricks. 🙂
March 13, 2015
Claudette! Is that why I haven’t seen you? I’m so happy you and Zigster (love that nickname) are having so much fun. Told you – you’d love him to the moon and back 🙂
March 12, 2015
I’m so glad to hear in not the only one who (1) magically forgot all the new puppy stuff Wrigley must have done but I simply don’t remember and (2) is amazed at how much tee-tee one little puppy body can produce. We’re right there with you!! Good luck!
March 13, 2015
You made me laugh when I read your comment this morning Amanda. You are not alone, I can’t remember a blessed thing. It’s as if this is the first puppy at this age I ever had. Isn’t the amount of liquid a mystery? Where do they store it, and why can’t it all come out at one time? I can’t remember the last time I spent this much time on my front lawn BOL Take care!
March 12, 2015
So happy for you and your Family. I’ve said it on your FB posts and I’ll say it again, I’m sure that Harley will be a pawsome older brother and I am also sure that Jax is Leo’s new angel on Earth in your home. They are so amazing and so smart, can’t wait to hear more about Jax and Harley together and the new adventures to come! All the best always Cathy, thank you for the big smile you gave me with your news today!
March 13, 2015
Alessandra – I believe you are “spot on” about him being an Angel. He’s the best! I’m even seeing Harley come around, so that’s an excellent sign!
March 13, 2015
We are so happy and excited for you. You will find you have plenty of room in your heart and memories for Jax. Can’t wait to watch him grow! PS…a little jealous too.
March 13, 2015
Slim, Jax has already moved in and made himself a huge home in my heart! I will try to bring him to Blog Paws with me in May – so you can definitely get your puppy on!
March 13, 2015
Welcome, Jax!! We just know you are going to have a blast in your new hoe!!
Smileys!
Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo
March 13, 2015
Thanks Dory – We feel so blessed to have him here!
March 13, 2015
Congratulations on your new family member! I love that last picture of Harley and Jax. They are so cute sleeping near each other and beginning the transition from setting boundaries to creating bonds. Very sweet! 🙂
March 13, 2015
Elaine I hope you’re right – I so want to see them together having fun. I have no doubt it will eventually happen, just anxious to see them interact!
March 13, 2015
Congratulations on sharing your love for Leo by adopting another of his kind and giving Jaxson the best new home/family ever!!
March 15, 2015
Thanks Denise! In the weeks/months to come I will share more about Jax, but please know I did not adopt him – and I will share that story also! Thanks so much for reading!
March 13, 2015
Congratulations on the new addition to your family! When Luke came home with us, it had been 9 years since we’d had a puppy in the house, and I had forgotten what it was all about! I have enjoyed every minute of it, even when I was pulling my hair out!
Everyone needs a different amount of time to be ready to bring someone new home after losing someone very special. I usually need several months, even though my hubby could probably be ready far sooner. The only time we pushed up that schedule was when our Maggie died and Kobi could not handle being alone while we worked. It still took us a couple of months to find the right one for him though.
I look forward to hearing the whole story, and of course seeing more of Jaxson!
March 15, 2015
JanK – I am still amazed at how our spirits are connected!! I know how you feel, and it was the same for me. I purposefully waited to make sure I wanted a new puppy because I wanted a new puppy and not because I was trying to replace one. For me, this time has allowed me to welcome Jax into my heart with no expectations. I’m so ready, and he’s seems to be the perfect fit for all of us! Thanks for always knowing just the right things to say. Can’t wait to meet you one day soon.
March 13, 2015
Congratulations to all of you! Jax is absolutely adorable. He will certainly bring new life to the household. Jax has some big paws to fill.
March 15, 2015
Thanks Debbie, he is certainly a handful, but we’re enjoying every minute.
March 13, 2015
Congratulations!! He’s darling!
March 15, 2015
Thanks Rebekah – he’s got the greatest personality, and he is fearless! Can’t wait till summer….
March 13, 2015
OMD OMD OMD!! I am SQUEEING with PUPPY CUTENESS!!! Soooo incredibly happy for you! Jax (LOVE that name!) is beyond precious, I just want to kiss that puppy belly!!!!!!
Harley will come around soon I am sure……..they are going to be the best of friends!
So incredibly happy for you!
xoxo
March 15, 2015
Thanks Caren – Jax is learning his boundaries right now, I am sure when the time comes – they will be inseparable. Nine week old pups are a handful, so I am giving Harley all the space he needs.
March 14, 2015
What a handsome Litt dude. I’m glad you got a new pup. So many new adventures ahead.
March 15, 2015
JoAnn, he is a joy and also a handful. I am in love already and it’s only been a week! Can’t wait to watch him grow 🙂