We have something to share today.
Two somethings that deserve quite a bit of hype, if you ask the kids.
We’re very excited to announce the newest members of our family… Rigby + Fitz!
I’m not sure any of this has an explanation, or that we can really give one. I mean, puppies. The end. Of all things sanity.
Because these fluffy gals are the cutest things we ever did see.
But after our loss this fall, it was something that was so hard on all of us. It still is. I’m not really sure anyone can explain or understand it until they’ve lost a pet who was also a cherished member of their family.
It feels like an eternity ago, but just yesterday.
I guess that’s life. And loss.
And before we knew it, we realized that while nothing could ever replace our first ever fur baby of 12 years, we still certainly still had room in our hearts for more. The emptiness she left behind was just too great.
We simply couldn’t stand not having some form of a wagging tail in our home. And those sweet curly tails had us at the first wag.
Maybe we’ve lost our everlovingminds.
This isn’t our first rodeo. We know what it takes. And it’s kind of amazing.
This is the quick one I’d tell you if we were out at a girl’s night. I’d be all, funny story: and then dive right in while you gaze at me a little warily over sushi. Because it’s kinda weird, but stay with me.
I was perusing my phone last week, when I looked down and saw a white hair on my shirt. It’s been a while since I’ve spied one, as we’ve vacuumed quite a bit since Chloe’s passing.
This is the part where I start to sound like I really have fallen off my rocker. I’ve progressed {regressed?} from bursting into tears to getting a little misty eyed, and smiling when I find one. Still, with that familiar clench in my chest.
And this time, for some reason I decided to get on my phone, and search for adoptable dogs. I mean, why not? I was possessed. Literally, just scrolling what was available in shelters, and other legit sources. We’re very cautious about where puppies come from and after Chloe, we will always look for sweet souls in need of a home.
And there they were.
We’ve never been particular about a breed, but I was partial to these little girls as soon as I saw them. Chloe had a touch of red heeler in her {with a lot with lab} so we had an inkling they would have a great personality.
And we about fell over when we spied these little gems.
Okay. Fine. Jamin needed a little coaxing. So I promptly brought the photo I found on my phone and made puppy dog eyes of my own. I guess you can say I won him over. By the way, he’s already doing the whole talk-to-the-puppies-in-his-sweet-voice thing repeatedly whilst lavishing them with kisses, so we’re good.
Sucker. ;}
After a come to Jesus together about what it would take, and doing a considerable amount of homework on adopting littermates, we did what any other not-so-sane family would do, and adopted two. And then decided to keep it a secret from the kiddos until we could get our hands on them.
Because why not surprise your kids with puppies? They’ve never had puppies before. We gotta say, pups are kind of a hit.
So much so that they’ll lay with them on the tile while they’re potty training.
These sweet gals are so mild mannered, and so smart, it’s almost scary. They’re definitely puppies, but we were hunkering down, ready for the apocalypse if you remember anything I shared from our last experience… I was ready. We both were.
I’m jinxing us now, I know it. They’ll go bonkers and chew holes in all the cabinets tomorrow.
But five days in, and they’re the sweetest, calmest things we ever did see. With a dash of trouble making tendencies of course. It’s the spice of life.
It just feels like they were meant to come and live with our little family.
The kids are smitten.
And I think our little additions are returning the sentiments already.
Our days have been filled with sweet snuggles, acclimating to the whole don’t-chew-this thing, and just soaking it all in.
With lots of potty breaks.
{their photo right after we surprised them with our new additions}
Apparently, their {Rigby + Fitz} mom was a Great Pyreneese {Remember Belle and Sebastian the cartoon, anyone?} And their dad a red heeler. This means they’re ridiculously smart, surprisingly laid back, and we have our hands full.
We call them our little Pyreheelers. It’s a thing. In our world, anyway.
All we’re lacking is a flock of sheep and some Hunter boots. Yep. I think this is a great excuse for those Hunter boots. {If they don’t chew them.}
My mind always drifts to shoes for some reason… I think it’s time to break out the puppy eyes.
And the barn we’ve been waiting for. We are all up in the necessary farm dog accessories. Kidding not kidding.
So a little unexpected and a little crazy wonderful? Absolutely. The best things are.
PS. They’re basically sleeping through the night.
{fitz}
They’re just what the doctor ordered for a family with a great void, giving two little sweeties a chance at a good home of their own.
It just felt right. A fresh start for ringing in the new year.
{rigby}
Welcome to our loving, rambunctious pack, sweet girls.
Chloe would have loved you.
We think you’re gonna like it here.
Awww, congratulations! Nothing like a new puppy! We brought a new 1 1/2 yr. old home to our small brood on Jan. 1. Lot’s of lovin’ and adjustment going on. 🙂 Good luck to y’all!
Awe thanks Pam, and same to you! Congratulations to you guys – what fun! ;}
They are so precious! You will have so much fun. Dog people are always dog people, so that void can’t be left there long. Have fun!
HA! Thanks, Beth!
Tears this morning! But good ones! We have a puppy for the first time ever, inside our home! My husband grew up COUNTRY, and dogs just belonged outside to him. But our little furry one (Teddy Bear breed) changed all that with one sweet kiss to my husband’s face….now he sleeps in our bed! Enjoy your new family members (and good luck!!) ~Kim
RIGHT??!?! I grew up with dogs outside. Chloe was our first inside dog and it will never be another way. I don’t care about the hair and messes. And right now we’re kind of covered in pee. But we know that once you get past that, it’s totally worth it! ;}
I am so excited for y’all!!! What a sweet double blessing 🙂 We adopted litter mates – 2 sweet black labs, sisters, and almost 8 years later, I can’t imagine only having one. Rigby & Fitz are precious, & I love their names! Congrats!
Thanks Kirsten! I am so glad to hear from people who have littermates. We really read up on this to do our homework and were appalled at how negative everyone is on the www about it! Apparently your home will burn down after you’re bitten by a brown recluse spider and catch ebola and hide yo kids hide yo wife because littermates are killin everybody up in here. ;} Clearly, I need more coffee. These girls are just perfect and while we plan to work with a trainer and closely with our vet, real life people haven’t been concerned. I feel like with five of us here at home the majority of then time, we can certainly work through the stuff. They’re SO SWEET and we are thrilled to have them both – So I’m so glad to hear from someone who has litter mates! Can you tell I am paranoid? ;}
HAHAHA!!!! Well, we have yet to be killed by our sweet girls 🙂 Or even maimed! Honestly, they calm each other, and entertain each other, which is really nice. And when we have to be gone for extended periods of time, it’s nice to know they won’t be lonely. Dakota is kind of the “mother hen” – she cleans Savannah’s face & ears every morning. 🙂 And they have to be touching each other when they sleep. I think you’ll do just fine, especially with a strong support crew like a trainer & your vet. I can’t wait to watch them grow on your blog!
This happy news and those wonderful photos made me smile big this morning. What sweeties! Love that you brought them both into your family. Looks like they fit right in! 🙂
Thanks, Julia! We’re excited ;}
So sweet! It’s been such a long time since we’ve had dogs in our home. We used to raise GPs when I was growing up. Great dogs. Ours were prone to wandering, though. Something you might want to watch for when they get older.
Aw great, now I want a dog. *shakes fost* 😉
Thanks for the tip! And how fun to raise GPs! Sorry not sorry for the doggie love. ;}
We got a Great Pyrenees a few years ago from a family who was getting rid of their farm…she is the sweetest, most even tempered dog I have ever laid eyes on. Even though she is ginormous, she is so gentle and sweet and loving with our kiddos…such a great dog and a great breed! Enjoy those sweet pups!
Awe so fun! I so love those dogs! The kids went outside with them today and they’re just lying around they’re so tired. I’m a little paranoid they’re so good! Like maybe something is secretly wrong! HA!
They are adorable! I love this post, as the one about Chloe made me all weepy at work and I had to shut down my feedly entirely for the rest of the day. These two will help fill the hole in your heart, just as my rescue baby did after I lost my last sweet boy. Congratulations!
Awe thank you so much, Karin. I know you get it! So happy for you as well!
Awwwwwwww!!!! Yay for you guys!!
Thanks, Abbey! We probably HAVE lost our minds. But this is totally worth it! ;}
They’re gorgeous, congratulations! I couldn’t imagine our home without our dogs, despite never having had a pet until 5 years ago. They really do become part of the family 🙂
Thank you Jennifer! So true!
What sweet babies! We adopted a 2 yr old golden retriever a few years back, with a 6mo old and 3yr old, I was all no no no… hubby won. 3 years later she is my shadow and I would be lost without her! Pets make better people, people better… you know what I’m saying!
So true, Susie! ;} I love that!
We lost our little furball (after 14 years) 7 years ago & still talk about her all the time. Our current landlord doesn’t allow pets, but we have 4&6 yr old girls to keep us crazy;)… Keep posting so I can live vicariously through your puppy adventure – good luck
Awe so sorry Robyn. But yes, I think I can definitely manage that! HAHA!
Awww, yay! So happy for your family! I completely understand the void left by a furry family member. Once you have a dog that you are attached to and they pass, you can’t go long without needing another wagging tail in the house. And two puppies is a great idea, no matter what anyone else says! They will never be lonely for a canine companion and they can wear each other out with the biting and chewing that isn’t allowed with their human brothers and sister. 🙂 My sister says she will only ever have heelers because they are so smart and good dogs in general. Congrats on the new additions and fingers crossed that they are potty trained soon!
I couldn’t agree more, Heather! And thanks for the potty training well wishes! We figured out if we set the timer for every thirty minutes we are catastrophe free! {For the most part} ;}
Congratulations! They are adorable! Puppies are so much work but they sure are worth it.
My husband and I have had 5 dogs so far during our 26 years of marriage. We are now empty nesters and we have a nine year old Sheltie that we love so much. We have had the conservation about not getting another dog after this one. Gasp! My husband wants to take a break from dog ownership for a few years so we can travel more. We have an RV so our dog usually goes everywhere with us. We are retired so we want to travel the world a bit. I just can’t imagine not having a wagging tail in my home. Enjoy your peeping, pooping, chewing, nipping, shedding new family members!
So adventurous, Debbie! How fun! Best wishes to you and your travels! ;}
That is so very sweet!
Congratulations!
Thank you, Deanna!
Can’t stand that cuteness!!! Congrats to all of you. They are adorable. Good luck with the Hunter Boots 😉
Thanks, Brittany! And YAY for Hunter Boots! ;}
They are so sweet (puppies and kids)! I hope to have a dog again someday, but I live in an apartment and I would have to pay a huge deposit plus more rent 🙁
Awe, thanks Marianne! ;}
Congrats! I know what you mean about needing a tail wagging in the house. We have had several pass away over our marriage, and I always need one in the house afterwards. Great pyrenese are wonderful pack dogs, and they will take care of your family. And heelers are of course extremely smart. Great decision to get 2, and it doesn’t mattter what anyone else says, what is best for your family is all that matters!
Thank you, Raylynn! I felt a bit like I was over eager beaver but I’ve heard from so many people who feel the same it made me feel better! ;}
They are just the sweetest things! I wonder how big they’re going to get!! Congrats and have fun, they’re only little so long!
Hey Betsy! Thanks! The vet guesses around 40-50 lbs since they seem to have a lot of red heeler in them. I say the bigger the better ;}
PUPPIES!
Oh my gosh. They are amazingly-cute. Love them. And look at those BIG paws. Woo Hoo!
Rigby and Fitz: only you guys could come up with some great dog names, I swear.
I am very happy for you + Jamin + the kids. I think the pups will do just fine. They look like they’ve made the transition to their new in a very good way.
Looking forward to watching them grow up.
Congrats on this exciting addition to your family!
Thanks so much, Michael! We are all smitten. ;}
They are too precious! I’m sure you all are in love with those pups! Congratulations!
Thank you, Karyn! We really are! ;}
What a sweet story! When you lose a beloved pet, you think you will never love another. But, then the right ones come along and you experience a whole new level of affection. Isnt God amazing?
It’s starting to freak me out a little, Kelly. I love them differently, but we are already so in love with these little newbies! ;} So true!
AAAW congrats! they are adorable! so happy for you guys!
Thank you, Cassie!
I warned you about those little random hairs 🙂 I love love love this. Warms my heart!
YES. YES you did! It’s kind of crazy how it all happened! I thought of you! ;}
OMGOODness….they are adorable and look so very happy. I think they are going to enjoy their life being part of what is now The Mills 7 🙂
Thank you, Diane!
ERMERGERD! I’m so excited for you guys and those sweet little souls you rescued. Have so much fun!
This comment made me laugh because all I could see was the ERMAHGERD girl with puppies. Hilarious.
wow! so happy for your kids right now! we have a 10 month old lab puppy. he is the sweetest thing but kind of clingy. I really wish that we had thought to bring home a littermate for him. We have also a 12 year old lab that we thought would come to love him and would play with him-thus perhaps living a little longer. Unfortunately, she hates him with a burning passion and has for 8 months now. So the last time we left him for a few hours alone at Grammy’s house (no crate) he ate the door frame in an effort to escape confinement and find his people. Merry Christmas dear Mother in law- the frame has stood for 75 years but one sweet adorable little champagne labrador did a little light home reno for you because you must have been tired of that by now! I wonder if having a brother or sister around would have set his mind at ease whilst we had lunch out. i hope to see many pictures of your kids enjoying your new playmates as mine have enjoyed theirs!
Thank you, Kelly! Sorry about Granny’s door. That’s sad. But it’s never too late to bring home a little friend! ;} #enablerforlife
So excited for you all! They look like just the sweetest girls ever…I think I need to find us a Pyreheeler. 😉
(I do have to say that the “Chloe would have loved you” at the end made me tear up! Such an incredible bond and gift animals give us!)
So true, Michelle. Thank you so much!
Beautiful puppies!!! Congratulations 🙂
We said goodbye to one of our furbabies in July, he had Lymphoma and it was so fast and so sad. We are lucky enough to still have our other boy – I can not imagine how quiet it would be with no dog in the house. It is eerie when he is not here (like if he is the kennels before we are away).
The single white piece of fur made me laugh – our boys are Beagles and shed huge amount of fur all. the. time. We often joke that even years after Basil & Otto are gone we will still have fur.
Enjoy the puppies snuggles <3
Julia, SO sorry for your loss. Man lymphoma sucks. Glad you still have a sweet little friend to keep you company!
Oh my!! I am smack dab in the middle of puppy wanting, and then I stumble upon this!! They are super cute! You have now offically sent me over the edge of puppy love. I’ll tell my husband that it’s all your doing. 🙂
Jessica! I will definitely take the blame. Might I recommend the puppy eyes? They worked for me…
Love it!!
Thank you, Mrs. Lee! ;} We are smitten!
HOW PRECIOUS! Oh the happiness just radiates through those pictures. Welcome home indeed to those little ones… Animals are such a blessing!
Thanks, Tiffanie! So true! We are loving them! Every day gets a little easier and they’re just kinda falling right into place! ;}
well heck YES!!!! congrats on the babies
they ‘re entirely too cute
& yes. hunters are a must have. surely.
I know, right? More puppy dog eyes! I am like, way overdue for my hunter boots. ;} Thanks, Paige!
Ah, Just like Old Dan and Little Ann. Soulmates all around. <3
Awe. Yes, Elizabeth! Indeed. ;}
So happy for you all!!! I’m, ahem, in my 40s and still miss my long haired German Shepherd. She helped me get through Kindergarten to the beginning of college. So glad your kiddos have partners in crime!! There is NOTHING like the unconditional love of a puppy! All the best!
Awe, so sorry Jen. What a sweetie! I know that was so hard. Thank you!
oh my goodness, they are some of the cutest little pups. Good luck, although it sounds like you’ve got some rather calm ones. We got our now 3yr old hound mix when she was 3 months, in her first year we had half of our couch chewed to the wood frame and the water supply line to the toilet chewed and flooded the bathroom. Luckily she grew out of that and is now a good buddy to have around.
I’m glad you pups have found a loving forever home.
OH NO! How crazy, Angela! That’s insane. But so true that when they grow out of it they’re so worth it! Maybe the whole these puppies are good thing is all a. so I can tell Jamin I told you so when he wanted to hold out but gave in anyway, {a reward for him, really ha!} and b. karma rewarding us for our first insanity go round. ;} But totally worth every moment, regardless. ;} And I do appreciate being able to laugh at him while he babies the new babies, even though he was hesitant.
I am a dog lover and I get very upset with people who tell me not to try to replace my dog with another dog. I would never or could never replace a loved one. But when I get a new dog soon after I loose one I say “It’s because I need a place to direct my love.”
LOVE. Thanks for the sweet reminder, Pat!!!
O.M.G.
My heart is just bursting. They are the cutest…
We want a dog, but it’s just not fair, with the two of us home alone, and no one there from before 7am until after 5pm every day, so as soon as hubby retires (this June?!?! Whee!), I’m starting with MY puppy dog eyes….
I totally get it, Krys! We started with Chloe when we were both working, and we think that she was so wild at first because we weren’t around that much. We came home to give her breaks but anyway. Hindsight. You will have a wagging tail {Or more than one} in no time! ;}
Such sweet puppies and love the names! Your previous post about losing Chloe really got to me. It’s been over three years now since I lost my dog and I still get teary eyed at times. I came home from the first day of a new job to find my front door open and she was gone. We eventually found her on the side of the road, which was quite devastating, as she was my baby. Three days later my husband surprised me with a puppy from our local SPCA. I was totally against it- it had only been three days, I thought he was trying to replace Ellie, etc. I agreed to give it a try because how could I possibly return this puppy who needed a home? Needless to say we still have our puppy, Griz, and he is the best little dog. My husband was right in this instance and getting Griz helped me get over the loss of Ellie. I’m sure you are experiencing the same with your new pups. You mentioned getting ready for the apocalypse and I have to share my story related to that. Although I loved our dog Ellie, there were several things she did that I would sometimes complain about. Nothing horrible, but she wouldn’t listen, wouldn’t come when called, would take off and make me chase her if she got loose, to name a few. Griz is the total opposite although I have not done anything to train him differently. It’s almost like Ellie was watching over my husband and I and picked this dog out just for us. Maybe it’s the same for your family. Chloe didn’t want you to go through the apocalypse again. 🙂
I read this while doing homeschool with the kids this morning and teared up. Thank you. ;} And I’m so sorry for your loss/glad for your new pup. So glad we’re not the only ones who miss that wagging tail. It’s definitely helping!
So cute and fun and exhausting and stressful and worth it! Your story is so similar to ours! Our 14 year old dog died in October. It was incredibly hard. We had a new puppy by Thanksgiving after I one day felt our home was just not the same without a dog so I started browsing the Humane Society Website. Within 3 minutes I had my husband on board. We were out the door with the girls and came home with a pure mutt who was a stray. It has been stressful but awesome altogether! Best Wishes with your new additions!
LOVE it, Taria! So glad it’s not just me! HA!
Those puppies are so cute but if you gave me a choice between them and that totally fab rug in your office the rug might win out. I’m not sure if the dogs make the rug look more appealing or vice versa. Either way, they both look right in the office so congratulations on your latest editions. Off to scour ebay for a gorgeous rug…
Congratulations on your two adorable new fur babies. We adopted littermates years ago, and although it was a bit crazy for a while (especially during obedience classes…we had to keep them on opposite ends of the group so they could “concentrate”) we didn’t really have any regrets. I don’t think I will ever go back to having just one, but now we have 2 that are a year apart. I particularly loved your last line about Chloe…smiled through a few tears.
So happy for you guys! Sounds perfect and they’re truly adorable!
They’re beautiful, and so are the kids’ smiles! Ahh, sweet puppy kisses, with their sweet puppy breath. Your story brought tears today, as I remember mourning your loss of your sweet Chloe. I have been in your shoes, and hope these sweet girls fill some of the hole in your heart! Such a great thing to rescue as well, they are the best dogs, often seeming as if they somehow know you saved them, but they often save us!
Oh, what a delight to find your story from the link on “Finding Home”. I read about your loss of Chloe and then your new addition of your precious puppies. I don’t know if you have seen the “letter” from a dog in heaven to their previous owners about how much they want them to find a new dog to love as that is the best way to honor his memory. Chloe would agree, I am sure, and be doubly happy that you adopted siblings. I will continue to read your bog ( if I can stop the tears from this one) as your family seems like such a joy and I enjoy your writing style so much. Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story.
Thank you, Dorothy!
I’m a little late getting to this post, but congratulations on your newest members of your family. I have a blue heeler and I adore her. I love the heeler breed, they are smart and so very loyal. My 32 pound dog just begs to be a lap dog! I can’t wait to hear more about Fitz and Rigby (those are great names, too).
I so know exactly how you feel about losing pets. We lost 3 in a 6 month period – from old age and to cancer. That was about 7 months ago and now we are ready to adopt. A friend of yours suggested I read your post here. Thanks to Kirsten T. for telling me about you. I love your post and I love your dogs. YEAH for us!!
Awe Kim, I can not fathom how hard that must have been. It’s just so darn difficult. I felt a little off my rocker wanting puppies again so soon, but they have helped more than any of us could have imagined. ;} Thinking of you! Send us some pics when you decide -they’re the best!