Growing up, I can't remember a day where I didn't tell my parents that I wanted a puppy. At the time, I was in love with dogs and cats, I just wanted all of them. I would put animal stickers everywhere and would constantly carry around my stuff animals (usually Beanie Babies for whoever remembers those!). I also used to print out photos of all different types of dogs and cats that I planned on buying (with no money, I was only like 10 years old) because I thought they were cute. Then I put them in a binder where I named them and decided what order I would get them. I knew we weren't going to get one for a while, at least I was going to get my own puppy, but it doesn't hurt to try!

My family and I have always owned one if not two dogs. Most have been good dogs, one we had to give away because we were all really young at the time and he was aggressive with us. He would growl and that is not a good combination with little kids. Not all dogs are mean, most dogs aren't, but sometimes they can be possessive or aggressive. It all depends on the dog and the environment in which he was raised, kind of life human beings. It was really weird for us because our dog was a Golden Retriever, which is a breed that usually very kind and gentle. It's sad when you lose a member of your family, whether you have to give them away or they pass away. Always do your best when taking care of animals. Treat them the way you would want to be treated and always look out for them. They are usually always looking out for you.

This past summer our dog, Kirby passed away. She was really old and she began seizing a lot so we knew it was time for her to go. My other dog, Gracie, who is was very old had been struggling for a while, just passed away (actually as I was writing this). I commend her for her bravery and beautiful strength to keep going for so long. She has recently had a lot of seizures and just wasn't mobile anymore. This makes me sad because she is my very best friend, I love her with all my heart, I always will and I used to say goodnight to her every day that I could. With death comes new life; a new beginning. There is always positivity on the other side of the line, no matter the situation.

Recently, we invited a new pal into the family. My parents traveled not too far from ISU to get a new puppy! I have been FINALLY blessed! A PUPPY! Her name is Zoey and she is a Cavapoo. A Cavapoo is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mixed with a Poodle. We got Zoey because as my older brothers and I are away at school or living out of the house and my dad goes to work as a pilot, my mom wanted a new little friend for herself.

Alana, Zoey, and Gracie- Family PhotoPhoto By Alana Charboneau

The house would have been very quiet if we didn't get Zoey. She is the most precious, beautiful puppy I have ever seen (besides Gracie, of course); she is very smart and she has been catching on very quickly. Gracie would get nervous around her, but I think that is just because Gracie was old and Zoey is so so young. They are a whole lifetime apart from each other. I am happy to say that I get to fully see a puppy in my family grow up and be a part of her learning experiences. From the moment we got her, I instantly felt a new beginning, a new happiness, and predominantly so much less stress.

Here is the little princess herself.

ZoeyPhoto by Alana Charboneau

At first, it is always hard to take care of a new puppy, some say it's just like taking care of a baby, which is all 100% true. Sleepless nights, picking up after them and a lot of insecurity because you want them to be safe and you want to raise them just right. Each dog, each human being, whatever the case; we are all different and we all grow up in different ways. Puppies are hard to deal with sometimes, especially when they cry because they feel alone. It makes me sad because I would just cuddle all of the puppies, all of the time. With that being said, I am glad that we have this new addition to our family. I think that with Zoey in our family, she will really bring us together and create a whole new positive environment for my family.