Is a Puppy necessary?

So, this is a question I asked myself over and over. Some swear it's the best thing you can ever give a kid. I think a sibling is the best thing you can give a kid. After Much, much thought we gave in and neither Darin or I ever thought we would. This was the best Christmas present ever! The kids made all kinds of promises, and contracts we promised to get them a dog after a 6 week trial period. They did countless hours of research in search for the perfect dog. The girls had their heart and souls set on a Cavashon, and I found one that would be available at christmas time. I will post the video later of the actual surprise. We will be hard pressed to ever top this one. It was complete with tears from both the older girls and "giddy" excitement from the others. I didn't blog about her before now, because I wasn't sure she would really end up being part of the family after all the poop and peeing in my house was done!! I definitely have had my moments when I have kids crying, dinner to make only to turn around and see the dog peeing on my carpet. Are you kidding me, how did we end up here? Even still somehow she gets to stay another day, however not without "doggie school" at the prison. More on that later... The jury is still out, but we are pretty sure she was a good idea...