Our Kids' Dog

Adler was our dog - mine and Tom's. She grew up from a pup with us before we had kids. We didn't have to watch the toys on the floor or have any other little beings to give attention to so she was our world. It's a different life now that we have Sadie. Our kids want to be involved in training, feeding and walking her - well okay, maybe just Austen.

It's been nice actually having him do walks with Sadie or even just being responsible to let her out and feed her. It's a huge help too when I have Hailey having to go to the bathroom at the exact same time as Sadie - it's really like having two toddlers in the house!

So it seemed appropriate when we started Sadie in training classes that Austen attend with me. He's done great with her so last week Sadie had her first test to pass her puppy kindergarten class. I told Austen that I wanted him to do it. He was a bit nervous at first because all eyes are on you and you have to take your pup through a bunch of different commands. I remember doing this with Adler and I thought it was appropriate that he now do this with Sadie. After a little coaxing, he agreed to be the one to take her through her paces on the test. They both did great and Sadie received her certificate of completion. Austen was so proud of her and wanted to keep the certificate in his room! "After all," he said, "I earned it too!" And he did.