Cleggie's frugaltastic journey to financial freedom!!

rising_from_the_ashes

Well the good news is that your school run is a short time so brilliant for him to get used to being left - even if you are going to be there most of the time, it's great to teach them when they're young that you might have to go out sometimes.

I know people who've never done this and when they want to go out in the evening for a couple of hours, it's a bit of a nightmare!

Have a think about where you're going to leave him (eg in the kitchen) and it might be worthwhile getting a baby gate so you can put him in there without worrying about the rest of the house - or if you think he'll be OK then leave him with the run of downstairs (have you got something to stop him going upstairs?)

Barbeduk

Oh dear god, I just popped over to the grocery board and saw the news. I am so sorry Cleggie, I just can't imagine how terrible that must have been.

Fantastic idea to get a dog, think our kids love the dog more than all their toys put together. Ours is a big lab cross with a very very big bark which he uses every time someone walks past our house, let alone comes to the door! The clicker sounds like a brilliant idea, a chap around here uses one and his spaniel in unbelievably disciplined. Makes us feel a bit embarrassed about ours!

Hope you have a really good week to make up for all the horribleness. Hugs to you and the pup!

PennyGrabber

Well done for doing it, though Cleggie. Think about how strong you were this morning. You could have crumbled and stayed at home, letting the children stay off school, but you took control and got out there. Well done. That's a big achievement.

Sending hugs xx

Barbeduk

Just keep going, the memory will fade. Especially now you've got someone waggy to come home to.

On the subject of which, beg, borrow and steal everyone's old towels, you won't believe how many you'll get through when the weather's bad. And for the unmentionables, the cheapest bags I've found are the tesco value nappy bags. Trouble is, every jacket, every fleece, every pair of jeans contains at least 2!!

rising_from_the_ashes

Cleggie, hun (((hugs))) it's bound to have shaken you so you're not just feeling sorry for yourself!

For everyone Re poop bags, try your local council offices / library etc as they often have them

Barbe is right about the towels! A single duvet & cover makes a great bed, is cheap (you can get value 4 tog ones at most of the sm for around £4 and covers for a couple £ at charity shops) & is really easy to clean & dry.

Suffolk_lass

How's he sleeping? It usually takes a few nights

sistafromanothermista

You'll get used to having him around and he'll get used to you too. It is a massive responsibility though you're right. xx

rising_from_the_ashes

Oh Cleggie (((hugs))) sure it'll settle down soon - they are huge responsibility and commitment (really just the same as having kids) and you'll need to get used to the new routines.

I thought I'd made the worst mistake ever when I got my last dog - after a week of both cats being stuck on top of the wardrobe absolutely terrified - but it was the best one ever. Everyone got used to each other and he really was wonderful and I wouldn't have been without him for a second (and used to have guilty moments that I'd even thought like that!)

Molly41

Hugs Cleggie,
I remember the feeling well of wanting to launch my pups into outer space. But it will pass and you will grow together and have a lovely relationship. All those inquisitive traits are what will keep you all safe in your home as Pups will let you know when something is going on.

Have you got somewhere safe you can put Pups when you need a few minutes break? Also you are still recovering from the break-in and that wont be helping x

Suffolk_lass

Also, getting such a young chap he will grow to reflect your family - your personalities and the care you give. Unlike children, he will miss the potential rebelliousness - they are pack animals and will love it when you are all together. I know you are reading up on top dog and stuff but ensure when you all sit down that his head is not higher than any of yours or the childrens so there can be no confusion about pack order. I wish I still had dogs but we are out of the house for around 12 hours every work day and that isn't fair so we have our cats and it's a compromise. Give it a while to settle down, I'm sure you won't regret it.

Take care
SL