We lost Brittany in February of 2010 .... we found out there were pups on the way in late September so we decided that we would like to take one from the upcoming litter. So when the little pups (well as little as a mastiff pup can be LOL) were born we were so excited but we didn't tell the girls ... they knew we were planning to get another dog but they didn't know the puppies had actually been born. We wanted to surprise them at Christmas but the way things worked out Gabriel was not ready to join us until early January. So I decided that even though he was not physically with us on Christmas we would still give him to the girls as part of their "gifts". We let them finish opening all there wrapped presents and then I brought out the envelope. As I handed it to Heather I had to turn my head because I was already tearing up (I know I am a sap LOL) When she opened the envelope and saw the picture both her and Kaitlyn's mouths dropped ... I don't think they really "got it" but then we told Heather to read the letter out loud:
Hi Heather and Kaitlyn.
My name is Gabriel and I am your new puppy! I know you have been waiting a long time for me and I wish I could have been under your tree on Christmas morning but I am still too little and I have to stay with my dog family alittle while longer.
Mommy and Daddy have known about me for the past few months but wanted to keep me a surprise. Remember the day Grandma picked you both up from the bus? Well that was the day that Mommy and Daddy came to see my family and decided I was the one that will be coming to live with you. (Of course Daddy has been dying to tell you about me but he knew if he did he would be sharing the dog house with me!)
I am very excited to meet you and here are a few things I thought you should know about me:
When you meet me I will be only 8 weeks old so that means I am still a baby and hopefully I will still be "light" enough for you to hold, however, I may be alittle bit squiggly at times so it might be best for you to sit down while holding me. If you are really lucky I just might snuggle up and fall asleep right in your lap!
If you feel the need to play "dress up" with me, please remember that I am a boy so try to go easy on making me look like too much of a princess.
A word of caution, I might also be a bit on the "nippy" side since I will be testing out my little teeth so if you have any toys (or fingers/toes) you really like you may want to keep them in a safe place away from me since I won't be responsible for my actions.
I will also just be learning that when I need to go to the bathroom I am supposed to do that outside – but be prepared I may not be able to get outside fast enough and there may be some "poop" or "pee" accidents so be careful where you walk – if you do see an "accident" please notify Daddy immediately (notice I said DADDY).
Mommy and Daddy do plan to try to "crate train" me, but there may be times that I am lonesome and I might cry alittle. When that happens you can feel free to join me inside my crate to comfort me, just make sure Daddy doesn't lock you in!
I am going to miss you when you are in school but I promise to meet you at your bus as long as it is not raining or too cold.
I will also try to con you into letting me sleep on your bed – but trust me this is not a very good idea – if you don't believe me please refer to Mommy's blog entry "Brittany's Bed". While having a little pup in your bed is a lot of fun having a 200 lb dog who snores and runs in his sleep in bed with you will lead to many-a-sleepless night.
In my early years I will be quite energetic, even acrobatic at times but always be sure that if I start to get crazy you will need to calm me down so I don't hurt myself or the person standing next to me.
As I start to get alittle older I might start to become somewhat "grumpy" and alittle more "cautious" with strangers but that is to be expected. This will most likely happen around the time you start to bring home your first boyfriends. I will be there to "screen" every boy that walks through the door and will be especially ready to welcome those who try to sneak in through windows. I believe it will be around that time that Daddy finally realizes having another dog my size come to live with you was actually a great idea afterall (despite a few inconveniences – chewed shoes, slobber, furballs and a few dead shrubs). He will then turn to Mommy and beg for her forgiveness for ever doubting that when it comes to knowing what dog is right for our family MOMMY KNOWS BEST!
I will be your best friend and protector. I will love you unconditionally and I will ALWAYS be happy to see you. I will be there for you through thick and thin and all I ask in return is for your love and affection (and maybe a bone or two and I have a feeling I am going to love icecream and probably pizza). So enjoy your Christmas and your time off from school and I will see you on January 8 when you come to pick me up!
One more thing, I will try my best to control my slobbering and snoring (but no promises as slobbering and snoring are part of my charm afterall).
Love, Gabriel
When she was done there was not a dry eye in the house ... except for Scott who thought we were and still are NUTS LOL!
Great letter - very creative!
ReplyDelete