Home Sweet Home

Boundaries are very important when training a puppy. When our kids were little, they were not allowed to go downstairs to the basement (door was left open, so it was always a temptation). And they were NEVER allowed on the couch by themselves (they had to be sitting on our lap). They were only allowed on the bed for up to 15 minutes to say goodnight each evening. That was when they were young and they needed to understand the rules of the house. Discipline really made them into the best friends we've ever had. They are like small furry adult family members now. They behave better than most humans.... Anyway, I'm giving you this history in order to explain how things have changed.

After their mom, Amber, died, we decided the kids were grown ups. Or maybe I made that decision. I remember telling Keystone to get on the couch, cause dammit, he deserves something special. It's his couch now. We also tried, even when we had Amber, to get them all to stay on the bed all night when we bought a king size bed. Amber stayed on the bed all night long a couple of times. I had to be extra still, otherwise she'd get annoyed and get down. Guess who's been sleeping on the bed all night since it turned cold this year and I don't have to be still? That's right, it's Abbytail! It's very comforting having her there. That is what home means to me.

Keystone on his couch.

Amber (front left), Keystone (curled up in the back), and Abbytail (front right)

January 2008