I spent most of 2017 and 2018 convincing my husband that we should get a puppy. Of course Josh was dead set against the idea so we compromised and got a puppy! Introducing Mr. Al Pacino Butler.
Al joined the Butler fam almost seven months ago and I must say I am so impressed with the kids dedication to him. They are so amazing with him and he is with them. I am surprised by how much they've changed since getting a puppy.
Here are 7 ways the kids have changed since Al joined us.
1. They are more responsible. This is the obvious one but they still deserve praise for it. Ciara and Ryan have become so much more responsible over the past six months. They help to feed Al, make sure he always has water and they even know that when he wanders around the sitting room in circles, he needs to go out to the toilet.
2. They no longer leave their toys all over the floor. Otherwise Al will eat them - enough said.
3. They now eat EVERYTHING at the table. This means no more biscuit crumbs on the couch because if they try to eat anything on the couch, once again Al will eat it.
4. They get more time outdoors because they would much rather walk their doggy than sit in front of a TV, this makes for one very happy mammy! (It also wears them out so they sleep well that night- double bonus!)
5. They are more sensible with dogs on the street. They know not to rub a dog without the owners permission and to be very gentle when petting dogs.
6. They aren't afraid of dogs on the street. Having a dog has made them a lot less scared of dogs they meet. They know dogs jump and bark and get excited. They also know that just because a dog is wearing a muzzle it doesn't make them dangerous or scary. We muzzle Al when we are out because he is part pitbull so we are required to by law but in reality he is a big softy.
7. They know the unconditional love a doggy gives. Anyone who has a dog knows that this speaks for itself. They have someone who is always happy to see them, loves cuddles and they can always talk to. Basically, they have replaced me with Al!
The past six months have been a crazy roller-coaster of toilet training, chewed slippers and mucky paw prints but we wouldn't have it any other way. Having a puppy is a big commitment, a huge amount of hard work and they are expensive but the love you receive in return is so worth it!
