Dapper

My parents, sister, and sister's fiance came to visit this weekend, and Stormageddon was on her very best behavior. 

In fact, I think everybody fell in love with her!  What's not to love about a poodle in a mustache? 

Puppy > Everything

If there is one thing that life has taught me today, it is that Puppy Energy is astronomical compared to the energy of someone with the flu.  If the whole house has the flu and puppy realizes the humans don't want to play, Puppy Energy will dominate everything. 

To squeak, or not to squeak.

We have been avoiding squeaker toys, because of a paranoia about Stormy opening up said toy and inhaling the squeaker in our absence.  A friend gave me a squeak toy for Christmas, before we even knew when we were going to be able to find the right puppy, but it got lost somewhere in the clean-up after the holiday.  Stormy found it (under the couch??) and it ended up being her favorite... favorite tug-of-war toy, favorite fetch toy, favorite snuggle toy.  The squeaker inside just died, and Stormy sits there going "click click" as she bites it, mournfully recalling the days when that happy little toy used to squeak like a dying mouse in her jaws.

The calm before the storm

It's been quiet in the house.

Crying or barking?  1 minute at the most.  Potty moments?  Hits the papers perfectly every time.  Teeth?  Only on the toys.  Calm and loving?  Constantly.

Stormageddon is obviously luring us into a false sense of adorable security.

Fortuitous Timing

Imbolc is a great time to bring home a new puppy.  The first signs of spring are beginning to show... new life, new beginnings!  And just when a puppy would be old enough to use the backyard by itself, it'll be warm enough to pleasantly do so.

Additionally, months ago I had planned to reduce my hours to 75% starting in February so that I could spend more time at home.  I had not expected that we would get a puppy the same day, but it is perfect timing because it means that someone will be home with her most of the time. 

There is only one name that is fully appropriate for a puppy with such intelligent, evil eyes.  Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All.  Stormy for short.