We have a new puppy!

Last Saturday we were coming home from a visit to Wrightwood to see the Christmas celebrations. It had been very disappointing as most of the attractions had closed early. We passed the local stores here in Phelan, and parked near Stater Brothers (a grocery store), as we were going to go to the store next door, Rite-Aid, to buy a singing Christmas decoration. Something we do each year. We spotted puppies being given away outside. They were so cute so we went to pet them.

Explaination on why we got her

Jennifer has always wanted a dog for herself, and two Christmas's ago she got her wish by default because her aunt and uncle wanted to get rid of their dog- a dashound/chihuahua mix called Hunnee. Hunnee was a good dog, but very aggressive towards other dogs. She became our first indoor dog and slept on Jennifer's bed. Unfortunately she started peeing inside, so we made her sleep in the back room with the other two dogs. She didn't like this, and as the weather was still warm she preferred to sleep on the sun loungers outside. One night she disappeared. George and Charlie reported seeing a huge owl in the big tree. We suspect Hunnee wandered in the night and was taken by the owl, or possibly a coyote who prowl at night too. Anyway Hunnee was gone, and Jennifer was left without her own pet, and here was these cute puppies needing a home- and they were free.

Jennifer was allowed to pick the one she wanted. Colin wanted one too, but I was strong and said he'd have to wait till he was 10, and could look after it. Jennifer named the puppy Kimberley. The only explanation for this is that as a family we are watching the TV series 24 on DVD, in which the main character's daughter is called Kimberly. We don't have regular Tv , so this is our only link to the outside world. All our other pets have been named after Disney characters.

The puppy is supposed to be a Collie/Austrlian shepherd. I hope it grows big ehough to survive outside. We have a dog called Megra,(Hercules), who was supposed to be a jack russel mix,but looks like a miniture dalmation now. Megra is about 10 now and doing great, but our other dod Cindee(Cinderella) is 13, and just lies in one spot. She used to be the sweetest of temperaments, but now growls and snaps at the new puppy. This is one reason Kimberley is being allowed to sleep in Jennifer's bathroom at night, but I suspect, when the crying stops, she is being allowed into the bedroom. It is Jennifer's job to look after the puppy completely, including the many little stinky presents it leaves behind. She needs to be firmer with the house training, but she really is a gentle soul. I will now try to post some pictures of Kimberley- the new puppy.