Or in other words, how two parents went from “you can get a dog when you’re living on your own (or when hell freezes over, whichever comes first)” to buying their 11-year-old daughter a puppy for Christmas.
This puppy, to be exact.
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It’s a good story.
About seven years ago when Lauren was five…
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…I convinced Nathan to go with me to a PetSmart adoption day to “just look” at the dogs needing families.
Yeah, I know. “Just looking” ends up being “just taking one of those adorable dogs home.”
And home we came with a puppy that looked like a mini black lab. Lauren was in heaven. I was not. Jack was super cute and easily trained but the girls? Not so much. I did it all, and when I found myself pregnant a couple months later—and found dog hair on my kitchen counter, I was done. We quickly found Jack a nice home with a dog-experienced family and knew that was the first and last dog we’d own.
Flash forward seven years. Actually, let’s flash forward about five when Lauren decided she would ask us for a pet at least once every few weeks. Sometimes a month or two would go by and we’d think she’d finally given up. Alas, no. When Nathan and I told her numerous we were not pet people and would never have another dog (or a hamster or gerbil or guinea pig or cat or lizard or frog or turtle), she thought we were really saying we’d think about it and get back to her when we changed our mind…because we’d eventually say yes.
I love the way kids think.
And I love that we had no idea she was right.
Now for the moment when the universe shifted.
It was late November and nighttime, just before Lauren headed to bed. She asked if she could talk with Nathan and me for a moment. We sat around the kitchen counter and watched as she pulled out a few papers. The papers contained extensive research she’s conducted over the past week or two. She’d not only found what she felt was the perfect dog breed for our family (Yorkshire Terrier) but she’d also calculated the cost of owning a dog that size, including food and grooming. Lauren had also listed everything she would do for the dog, from walking and training to brushing and picking up poop. (We’d heard that before.)
But here’s where that shifting-of-the-universe thing happened.
As we’re sitting there, Lauren starts to tear up as she tells us how this dog will always be her best friend, and how it will be her best friend even when her other friends turn on her at school or don’t want to hang out with her.
She can barely get through this part because she’s trying so hard not to cry.
Nathan and I know all too well the struggles Lauren has had with friends. They started in kindergarten. Her grade has a group of girls who are downright nasty, and I’m not just saying that because my daughter has been their target. A girl in our neighborhood changed schools because of this group’s behavior, and since second grade the teachers have told me it’s constant drama. My heart has broken many a time for my sweet Lauren, but not as many times as hers.
As Lauren heads upstairs, Nathan and I look at each other and without saying a word, I know we’re thinking the exact same thing: hell just froze over.
Granted, it took a good couple weeks for me to realize Lauren would get her wish (and another good week or two for Nathan to hop on board). I was still iffy about the whole thing until my mom sealed the deal.
Yes, my mom. The same mom I thought would tell me we were crazy for getting another dog. After our conversation—and her reminding me how alike Lauren and my sister are—I knew Lauren would be getting a dog for Christmas.
And after endless hours of searching PetFinder.org and KSL classifieds, we found Coco. My sister and I visited the KSL puppies on Thursday, December 15th. Two days later, after the Utah Symphony and The Pie—and under the ruse we were visiting Megan’s horse at the barn—, we pulled up in front of what my kids thought was a random house at the end of a dirt road.
We walked through the front door and when Lauren saw the puppies, the first thing she said was, “Are you trying to make me jealous?” Yes, my daughter thought I brought her there to tease her. I may be mean, but I’m not THAT mean. I turned to her and said, “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” and saw her eyes light up like I’ve never seen before.
Once Lauren had finally chosen Coco, we started to head out the door. That’s when, with tears in her eyes, Lauren passed her new puppy to Madison so she could thank me as she hugged me.
This time those tears were joyous ones.
Oh, how we love our Coco. And our Lauren.
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And I will say, Lauren has done everything. Those first couple nights, she got up with Coco every time she wimpered, taking her outside in 30-degree weather and getting very little sleep. She’s been training her, brushing her, even bathing her after a romp in the backyard mud. (Holy crap, that little thing hides a lot of dirt in that hair of hers!) And that Coco loves Lauren best of all…which is just how we had hoped it would be.
All is right in the world.
Or at least it will be once that puppy is finally potty trained.
Kristins P.
Such a sweet story! We do love having a dog, even when he is naughty. We are sending him to doggie boot camp with Vanessa’s husband.
Emily
We love Coco even when she is naughty too! Trust me, we’ve asked Tyler more than a question or two… ;)
Laura Putnam
You had me at trouble with girls at school, my 9 year old has been facing the same thing. I keep hoping it will get better, or she learns how to manage it better. But it is hard, and our dog Bailey is definitely her dear friend. You are a great Mom! And what a beautiful pup!
Take care,
Laura
Emily
Thank you, Laura! I am hoping she’ll find some new, good friends in middle school next year. The girl who switched schools has made some nice friends and will be bringing them along to the same middle school as Lauren. Keeping my fingers crossed they bring Lauren into the mix!
von
Should I even admit I cried. Yup, cried reading this
Emily
You can admit it. I’ve teared up more than once reading your blog. :)
Rebecca
I completely teared up reading this, which is a little embarrassing since I’m at work. Not that I read blogs at work… Anyway. You are SO mom of the year, and probably years to come. And your daughter sounds like an amazing young woman. So impressed with you both. And as someone who never thought they’d be a dog person, it’s amazing how quickly you fall in love. Couldn’t imagine not having my little butthead puppy now.
Emily
Rebecca, your last line totally made me laugh out loud. They are stinkers, aren’t they? But I can’t imagine our life without her…even when she’s grabbing every single sock in the house and running off with it!
Dad
Ok, even a 59 year old grandpa can tear up!
And now the “mom’s mom” is talking puppy. Thanks Emi.
Dad
Emily
Maybe Coco’s siblings are still available! :)
Carina
That made me cry. THANKS A LOT.
Emily
I have lots of Kleenex if you need it! We’ve gone through a few boxes so I always stock up. ;)
Carina
My oldest has had similar problems with the kids in our neighborhood, I’ve often wished that he could have a dog or a cat of his very own. If J and I weren’t allergic, and our kids carry the same genetic pre-disposition to allergies if they’re exposed to animals, I’d get him a puppy immediately. Instead I tell him that his brother is his best friend and I try to be a soft place to land.
Emily
That is the best Plan B I’ve ever heard. (And his brother will be around a lot longer than a dog.)
Steph
Dude… Even my cold dead heart melted. And I think I must be allergic to your dog because my eyes got all watery. ;-)
Emily
Maybe you should come over and put that allergy to the test. And bring your little “baby” too. :)
b.
I was first had by that adorable picture! What a sweet face!
Then you got me with mean girls.
My now 15 year old daughter has always struggled with friends. There is a big group of girls in our ward that she has grown up with, they don’t like her.
The standard mainstream cookie cutter girls at school have made her their target. Just like you, my heart aches.
But, she has made new friends at high school now. Kids that other adults in her life call “a rough crowd” due to ONLY their appearance. I’ve been called many things because I “allow” her to associate with these kids. I have these “bad kids” over to my house, I talk to them, I watch their actions and their words….guess what? They’re GREAT kids. They are individuals. They’re not afraid to live outside the box. I love them. And they love my Syd.
I LOVE this story. What a lucky Mama you are…and what a lucky little girl!
Emily
I love your comment. It’s a great reminder not to judge due to appearance (something we can all work on, though you seem to have it down!). I hope my daughter finds some friends who can accept her for who she is…and make her a better person in the process. I say to heck with cookie cutter kids!
mom
It was just the right thing to do…the right time…the right dog…the right reasons! She’s a cutie and NO I’m not thinking about getting a dog. I’ll just love Tilly and Coco.
Emily
Sure…whatever you say… ;)
Jennifer
I love the story of Coco!! And I have to admit, I teared up a little. Sweet, sweet story.
Emily
I love this story too! :)
Adrian
I don’t blame you, I did exactly the same thing when my son was in 5th grade and being bullied every day, only we didn’t get a cute little puppy like that, we got a full grown St. Bernard – yeah we’re crazy like that! But he’s a terrific dog and we enjoy him – but boy he SHEDS!
And the bullying, it finally stopped, I think because we put him in a great Scout program that gave him a lot of confidence and a whole group of new friends. Now he’s in 8th grade and doing great.
Emily
Adrian, your comment makes my heart so happy! I am so glad your son got through that tough time and now has a healthy self-confidence and a great group of friends. I am hoping the same for my daughter!
Mrs. Organic
We did the same thing for my daughter when she was about 11. This dog has been her best friend and seen her through many a rough spot over the years. I don’t know what makes girls grow up mean, but I do know that I’d rather my daughter be on the receiving end rather than the giving. I’m glad hell froze over and she has her Coco. Congrats on the new addition.
Emily
Thank you for reminding me why we did it. Today, as I tracked poop into the house, I was questioning the choice to add a dog to the family. I think we’ll keep her. ;)
rebecca
I’m glad I’m not alone when I say this made me cry!
Emily
FYI, I don’t set out to make people cry. Promise.
Bobbie
That made me so happy to read. I had a dog growing up named Duke who was my best friend and when my parents went through their divorce I would go out back and pour my heart out to Duke. Then when they took us to the court ordered therapist so we could work out our feelings we would just sit there and laugh about how much the old guy farted because we had Duke and didn’t need a therapist. Memories of Duke are always a main conversation at family gatherings. I’m glad you guys got her a dog and she seems like such a great young woman.
Emily
The great things about a dog as a best friend is he can’t tell your secrets. (Journals can be found and read!) Best friends make the best therapists, and I’m sure Duke was happy to oblige. (I’m laughing picturing your family in therapy with a therapist passing gas the entire time! Oh my!)
Amy
I got all teary reading your story. See, I’m a totally dog person. Grew up with lap dogs and I was their favorite. We got a dog 2 years ago this February. He was at my sister’s house by June. My husband is majorly allergic and he couldn’t tolerate it any longer. My girls still list that they have a puppy at school and talk about their dog that lives at their aunt’s. When we are at her house, Zero spends the whole time on my lap or Jade’s.
Coco is adorable and Lauren has some seriously awesome sales skills. I see a lucrative future :)
Emily
I am so sad to hear about Zero, but at least he is close so you can visit! And yes, I think Lauren could definitely go into sales. :)
Mya Maternity
Ahh, that is such a cute story. I would have gotten her the puppy too.
http://myamaternity.blogspot.com/
Emily
How can you say no to that?!?!
Jeanette
Lovely.
My son is super attached to our cat (that I wish were a dog) like that. He needs that cat (which should be a dog) like Lauren needs Coco.
Way to go Mom!
Emily
I’d almost prefer a cat because they’re much less work, but I’m allergic and I’m not a fan of their superior attitude. ;) Whatever works, though, I say!