Last weekend, we decided to help out a friend and dog sit for their 9 week old puppy. My husband and I have both had dogs, though for me it has been awhile. My husband did have one advantage over me on this score; he’s raised four kids. His standing advice to his kids regarding the decision to have kids is to get a dog that chews a lot, poops and pees in the house, and runs away a lot. If you can love him for 20 years, you’re ready for a dog.

When we adopted our cat, Sophie, she was still a kitten. We soon learned that we had to put things up, make sure cabinets couldn’t be opened. I felt like I had a toddler in the house. Having a puppy in the house was the same, only more so.

The puppy came home with us Friday night. We tried to make the introduction easy. The puppy and Sophie were nose-to-nose. He barked, Sophie hissed, and the lines were drawn. The rest of that evening was spent taking things from the puppy he shouldn’t chew like my husband’s sock or my bra and giving him his toys. You just can’t turn your back on a puppy. Before all was said and done for that night, I walked him two more times–the most exercise I’ve taken at night in a long time.

Saturday began with a brisk morning walk. Puppy was in seventh heaven–and so were we. We were starting to figure out his routine after one brief accident the night before. After the walk, he napped, Sophie relaxed, and we cleaned house. One thing I hadn’t really been prepared for was how your life revolves around a puppy, at least until he’s housebroken. After he woke up, we considered what to do. The usual routine of errands and fun stops would have to be altered a bit. Puppy joined us on the trip to the grocery store. Later it was another walk. Then time for a nap and a bit of quiet so I could cook dinner. Outside again. Taking the shoe away from puppy. All of us falling asleep exhausted on the couch.

Sunday started as yesterday. That day though was incredible nice. The warm fall days we’ve had lately were too much to pass up. We still had our boat in the water. Why not take puppy on his first boat ride? He was a bit frightened of the dock, so my husband hauled him to the boat and handed him down to me. Once underway, puppy turned out to be an old salt. He loved the wind in his fur and in his face. We boated around for a bit, stopping for yet another walk and to shop for another toy. Didn’t think about having to keep the blow-up toys and fenders and ropes away from puppy.

This day was going to end sad. Puppy was going back to his owners. I didn’t think that I was that attached, but even today I have to admit feeling a pang or two when I think about him. I must admit as well that I am finally well-rested after our brief sojourn in raising a puppy.