Lilly Pulitzer Dress (Old, but loving these navy striped dresses: one, two, three, four and five) / J.Crew Necklace (Old, but so many options on Etsy) / Barrington Gifts Tote (c/o) / Tory Burch Sandals / Fornash Bracelet (c/o Fornash) / Kate Spade Sunnies (Old, newer styles here) / J.Crew Earrings
Is it possible to love a dog too much?
When I first got Noodle, I was relatively nervous that the whole thing would turn out to be one giant mistake. I didn’t know if I’d make a good dog owner, and I wasn’t sure whether I could ever really love another dog after losing my beloved Reilly earlier in the year. (That was a complete disaster. I cried my little heart out–in front of my students, no less–and then left on a road trip to Florida with Mitch a few days later. We thought I would have gotten over it by then, but I cried all the way from New York City to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Sheesh.) I also wondered whether I’d be able to handle the responsibility. I’d heard so many disaster stories, and had been warned on countless occasions that my life would never be the same.
But here’s the thing: life isn’t the same. It’s better. Now, I definitely think that having a dog wouldn’t have worked out before this point. In New York, my life was crazy. “Good crazy” for sure, but crazy nonetheless. I was never home, and getting anywhere took at least an hour by subway. I also loved sleeping late. (Really. I was a champion sleeper.) Things are different in Chicago, though. Everything is more laid-back, and Mitch and I spent a lot of time at home, in our backyard, and around our neighborhood.
Having Noodle has changed things, for sure. We don’t sleep past 6:30 a.m. (even on the weekends), and we can’t spend an entire day walking around the city. (She has such tiny legs!) We have to take her out every one to two hours, we can’t leave her for extended periods of time, and we worry about her constantly. (Is training working? Do we walk her too much? Too little? Is she eating the right amount? Sleeping enough? Is she happy? Oh God. She had an accident in the apartment today. Does this erase all her progress with potty training?)
But it’s so worth it. We’ve gotten used to the new sleep schedule (and might even like it better!), and have found that Noodle helps us get out of the house more. Because of her, we’re never bored. I can’t even tell you guys how entertaining it is walking her around our hood. It probably takes us a good 15 minutes just to get down one block, as nearly everyone wants to stop and pet her. We’ve had at least 10 people yell out the windows of their cars, too. It’s hilarious, haha. Though Noodle, we’ve met so many great people, and have had so many awesome conversations. What a blast.
And she brings a ton of joy and fun to our lives. She loves us unconditionally; has the cutest, funniest personality; and provides us with a family dynamic. I know; she’s just a dog. But we love that there are three of us now. She also makes it nearly impossible for us to get down in the dumps. Isn’t it amazing what great companionship pets provide? And how their kisses, snuggles and wagging tails seem to always put smiles on our faces?
While she isn’t Reilly, Noodle is incredible. And I love her so, so much.
Okay. Sorry for the sappiness. I should go. It’s walk time! ;)
(Do you guys have pets that you absolutely adore? I’d love to hear about them! Oh, and if anyone is looking for a Miniature Doxie, Noodle has a couple of brothers and sisters looking for loving homes. Let me know if you’re interested!)
I totally felt the same way when I got Misa, I worried I wouldn’t love her as much as my first dog but it’s such a completely different feeling! She will never replace my first pup but I love her equally, you will see the different personalities between the dogs and really appreciate this new love!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
I love that you understand. That’s exactly how I feel about Noodle. She isn’t Reilly, but I love her just as much. They’re so different, yet I see a lot of Rei in Noods, too! :) Thanks for sharing, Alex! xx
Ahhhh that second to last photo:) Hahaha love it! Love that striped tee dress too- so easy and perfect!
http://asequinloveaffair.com
Haha! Oh, Noodle. We have a hard time taking photos without me holding her as she tends to freak out when she’s not by my side, hahaha. New fall accessory? ;) Love ya!
Noodle is the cutest!
Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
Thank you, Meg! :)
Oh my gosh! I can’t get over how cute noodle (and her puppy belly) is! When I moved out from living with my parents, I didn’t get to take any of our dogs with me. Now that I’m getting settled in, I’m looking for a puppy baby (hopefully a big fat bulldog baby) of my own! Keep the adorable pics of you & Noodle coming!
XX, SS || http://www.seersuckersass.com
Aww so cute! I absolutely love your dress in this, and all the accessories are of course spot on!
http://thepreppysisters.blogspot.com
Thank you so much! The dress is actually a tad bit too small. I’m kind of heartbroken. Might be my last wear!
I can’t get over Noodle’s cuteness!!
Thank you so much, Krystal! I adore her!
You really summed up pet ownership so perfectly. No matter your mood, they are thrilled to see you with wags, licks and all. Can’t wait to see her when the snow comes and see her reactions and her tiny legs in huge piles of snow.
I love this quote from John Grogan: “Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.” Gets me every time!
And the snow?! Ahhhh… I’m so excited to see how she handles it! We need to get her some winter gear, haha! We gave her a bath last night and she did NOT like that, haha!
xx
Noodle is so cute, I love that you just stash her in your bag! Having a dog is really wonderful. When my dog came into my life completely unexpectedly, nearly 14 years ago I wondered how I’d gotten by without a dog before. Dogs are just beautiful creatures and they all have such unique personalities.
Chic on the Cheap
Thank you, Lydia! I’m hoping that she doesn’t have an accident in there one of these days, haha ;)
I totally agree–now I can’t imagine life without little Noods! Thanks for sharing :)
that yawning pic is just too adorable!!! dogs are the best, so glad you found Noodle!
Hehe right?! She is ALWAYS tired. Oh, puppies. ;) Thanks, girl!