Things Learned During a Week With a Puppy
In spending time with the puppy for the past week, I've learned quite a few things. He goes home tomorrow. But he will leave me with some valuable information about things I did not realize before his arrival.

1. Everything within 12 inches of the ground is a toy. If it is within reach, it is worth playing with.

2. Everything that can be reached is worth chewing on. This includes my toes.

3. Places that are off limits are especially interesting and should be explored thoroughly. This includes plants with lots of dirt to spread out and examine closely.

4. Barricades are useless.

5. Even after taking 108 trips a day outside to do business, there will still be unpleasant discoveries inside.

6. After running, playing, chewing, and causing general chaos throughout the evening, any unused spot on the floor is a great place for a quick nap. This includes the middle of the kitchen.

7. After a quick nap, it is time for more running, playing, chewing, and causing general chaos. Especially if it is now time to sleep for the night.

8. 'No' means 'keep doing what you're doing' and 'find more things to do exactly like what I just told you not to do.'

9. There is no good explanation for the offensively foul smell of puppy breath.

10. A wet puppy in a bathtub is very hard to catch.

11. Bigger messes are more fun to make than smaller messes, especially when someone else does the cleaning up.

12. When doing something wrong, looking very cute and adorable and innocent makes up for it.

And, 13. Even with all of the chaos, puppies are sweet and fun and worth having around.

But I'm sure glad he's going home tomorrow. My apartment and I are completely worn out.

C.T.