Monthly Archives: March 2012

Meet Campbell!

Posted in Kara and Kyle, Pets by

So, last week I may have mentioned in brief that Kyle and I got a new dog. And then on Wednesday I posted a photo of my two dogs.

Well, since our foster-to-adopt period is over today, I’m excited to finally introduce you all to Campbell!

Isn’t he adorable? Now, for his story …

Campbell is a 7-month old pit bull. Kyle and I adopted him through HugABull, a pit bull advocacy and rescue group based out of Vancouver. We had originally contacted HugABull back in January in regards to another dog, but unfortunately we were unable to adopt him because he had an altercation with another dog (which was the other dog’s fault), and they didn’t think that he would be a good match for us in the end. We were sad, but okay with it, and they let us know that if any dogs came to them that were a match for Kyle and I, they’d let us know!

A few weeks ago we got an email from HugABull telling us about a 7-month old male that just entered into their 1-month foster program. (All dogs are fostered and assessed for one month before being eligible for adoption). After seeing pictures, Kyle and I both fell in love with his cute face and immediately said “Yes please!”

So, two weeks ago Kyle and I drove out to Kelowna (with Daphne in tow!) to meet Mr. C! The “meet & greet” went really well, and after a walk to get to know each other, Kyle and I brought Campbell home with us for the two week foster-to-adopt program! Basically, if all goes well during his two week stay with us, he’s ours if we’d still like to have him!

It was a marginal adjustment for us considering we haven’t had a puppy in the house for almost 8 years (how is Daphne already almost 8, BTW?), but we can’t imagine him with anyone else! Despite a couple on bathroom accidents in the house, Campbell has settled in quite nicely and he’s learning more every day! Even Daphne has warmed up to him and lets him clean her face. I think she even likes having a playmate, although he has WAY more energy than she knows what to do with!

Most people’s reaction to us adopting a teenaged dog has been, “You’re nuts.” Maybe so, but we’ve been wanting to get another dog for a loooong time. With Campbell being older, but still young enough to mold into a well-behaved citizen that suits our lifestyle, he’s the perfect match. Really, we don’t think that having a baby and another dog is going to be all that challenging. Campbell is an amazing listener already too; we’re still working on “Come”, but he already knows “Wait” and “Leave it”, which is HUGE since he’s a hungry little guy who LOVES food. We’re also crating him while I’m at work and at night, so that’s a big help. He’s already putting himself to bed at night when he’s had enough of us!

And I know what a lot of you are thinking – “Why on earth would you want a pit bull? They’re mean!” Well, no, they’re not. When you train them correctly, they can be the nicest, calmest, and most loyal family dogs around. We want Campbell to be an ambassador for his breed, and if things keep going the way they are, he’s definitely going to be! He loves people, loves other dogs and is just a pleasure to be around. He’s melted my heart. I hate the stigma behind the breed, because the way I see it, any dog has the potential to be vicious. It’s all in how you raise and train your dog. (And for the record, we do have Campbell is doggy training lessons)

So – I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! Tomorrow we are FINALLY getting the baby’s room painted, and I can’t wait to share photos with you!

What are your weekend plans?
What are your thoughts/options on breed-specific stigmas?

Ten on Tuesday

Posted in Ten on Tuesday by

1. Ikea: Over-hyped and confusing or genius furniture company?
 A little from Column A, a little from Column B. The nearest Ikea to me is about 3.5 hours away, so I haven’t been in a while, but some of their stuff is gorgeous! I get headaches just thinking about putting it together though. Ouch.

2. Your favorite interior-decorator-type person wants to makeover one room in your house. Which room do you choose and why?
Either my kitchen or my bedroom. My kitchen because we’d really like to update our counter tops and cupboards, and my bedroom because we have NO furniture in it expect a TV stand that’s too big for the location that it’s in and an old dresser. Seriously. Our nightstands are big cardboard boxes turned on their sides, and we don’t even have a bed frame.

3. Describe the furniture in your childhood bedroom. Did you like it? Where is that furniture now?
I remember having a Beauty and the Beast comforter, yellow shelves and yellow window coverings. It was a decent size, and I do remember liking it! I believe we got rid of most the furniture due to wear and tear, but I think the comforter is still kicking around – but it’s covered with a duvet cover. If it’s anywhere, it’s at my mom’s!

4. When you’re done with furniture, what do you do with it? Donate it to Goodwill OR Sell it on Craigslist OR Put it by the curb and hope the trash guys take it?
Usually we donate it to Goodwill if it’s in reasonable condition. If it’s completely trashed we’ll take it to the dump.

5. My Pinterest furniture style could best be described as A) funky/eclectic, B) antique/shabby chic, C) modern/minimalist, D), so random and varied it’s undefinable.
I’d have to go with either C or D. I just see pretty things and Pin them, regardless of its style.

6. Name the most important furniture/toy in a toddler’s playroom. And why?
I’d say their dresser. You want something that’s going to last them FOREVER. Like, until they move our and go to college, forever. Or at least that’s what my goal is!

7. Your parents (or grandparents or other relative) are giving away all their furniture. Which piece do you really want?
Probably my mom’s iron/wood coffee table. That thing is STURDY! I love a good coffee table that you can sit on and not worry about breaking. Unfortunately, you can’t get them nowadays without paying an arm and a leg for it!

8. Your biggest furniture buying or home decorating regret?
I don’t think I have any furniture or decorating regrets! I have fabulous taste ;) 

9. $1000 gift card! Do you want it to A) Ethan Allen, B) Ikea,  C) Pottery Barn Kids?
Pottery Barn Kids, because I have baby brain and their stuff is gorgeous! 

10. Bunk beds, loft beds, trundle beds, or canopy beds?
Bunk beds, because I have no idea what trundle and loft beds are!