Yeeeaaahhhh..... I do think that I am heading towards that. What with handling a full time job, a child with autism, another child in Kindergarten, and an injured elder in the house - I've added not one but TWO Shih Tzus into my life!
Though Bowie and Cooper does need lots of my time, I don't feel burdened at all. Hubby asked me the other day, if I felt burdened and dislike the extra work. My answer is ermmm.... not much. I mean, I do dislike cleaning after them during the first few days - coz they have not learnt to keep their crate clean and not poop and pee in it. And the crate is very heavy for me to carry in and out when I want to clean up. But when I surfed the internet for some guidance, I realized that these 3 months puppies are just babies after all. As with my own children, I spent so much time teaching and guiding them to learn to use the potty and the toilet. My daughter is only diaper free when she's 5 years old, and still using the potty at home. She's 7 years old now. With my children, I have learnt to give them time and trust that they will someday learn the skills needed, with proper guidance and enough time.
As with Bowie and Cooper, I started reading for more information on how to care for them. And I started a routine that taught them to relieve themselves outside. I am happy to note that their crate is clean more often than dirty for the past 2 days. When I came back from work, I no longer have to deal with dirty crate and smelly dogs in my kitchen. In fact, after learning to bathe them properly, they no longer smell like the wild dogs in the streets.
Another change these pups have brought into my life is that they make me wake up early. I used to laze on the bed when my alarm goes off at 4:30am. I will wait for the next alarm at 5am before I drag myself up to start my daily routine. However, I find myself getting up right after the 4:30 alarm, to feed the pups and let them have some time outside to relieve themselves. They kept me company as I hang my clothes out to dry and it is rather fun seeing them playing and when they sometimes came to me for attention.
I have read countless of information on these Shih Tzus months before I got them. So I understand the commitment that come with them. However, when I read several blogs on how these Shih Tzus can provide therapy to those who care and love them, I am sold. I wanted pets that can contribute to the betterment of the family, and at the same time will not cause harm to my kids.
As for the kids, my boy is totally fascinated with the pups. I do hope we are paving the path towards handling proper responsibility in taking care of pets. He has been asking for pets for ages and he is very observant to what we do and how we care for the pups.
My daughter on the other hand warms up slowly to the pups. She observes us from far, and I had thought that she's not interested at all. I was initially rather disappointed coz we got these pups with the primary intention of trying to help her to open up more. However, there were a few times when I caught her going into the kitchen by herself, when everyone is not noticing and she tries to touch and play with them. When the pups are outside, she tried to touch and even hold them. And she would look at the pups in the eyes! I guess a puppy's eyes are not as scary as human eyes.
Anyway, since we've already welcomed these cuties into the family, I am determined to make it work. Life will never be at a standstill, and there will always be changes in our life, whether planned or unplanned. At least this is a planned change, and I am positive that this is a change for a better quality living.
