The first week was a bit hectic. He really missed his family and couldn't settle down to sleep the first two nights. I tried everything I could think of, but it was all pretty fruitless. Around 4:00am the second morning (as Mike was headed out to the airport), I turned to trusty google for any kind of tip or answer to calm the pup so he could acclimate to the new home. And sure enough, a fantastic dog training video (McCann Training) popped up and offered just the tools I needed to help settle him in his crate and adjust a little easier. Since then, he's been making progress.
Figuring out puppy potty training and weaving it into the schedule of school drop offs, pick ups, volunteering, errands and after-school activities has been an adventure. But, training videos have been a helpful first step for catching ways to teach him proactively and overall, he's figuring things out.
One morning, after I'd gotten everyone off to school, I ran him outside and he was a bundle of energy. He and I had a blast running around the house and he's been playing fetch so well. When we were all done, we turned to go in the same door we came out. I have been teaching him to use the first couple of stairs, and as we took the last step to the door, I began to slip off my shoes and turn the handle.
But the handle didn't turn.
Immediately, I realized that I had managed to lock myself out. With no spare key. No other way to enter the house. And with a little puppy who was then ready for a nap.
After taking a stroll around the house (hoping I'd left something unlocked somewhere!), I came to the conclusion that the only way back in would be with a locksmith.
Gratefully, I had my phone. I don't believe I'd taken my phone with me on any other play time with the pup, but I distinctly remember having the thought "grab your phone" as I walked out the door. Not thinking much at the time, I placed it in my pocket and headed out with the puppy.
Yet, as I sat on the step with the puppy, I was SO grateful to have a phone. Of course I texted Mike and filled him in (who was in Mexico at the time), called a locksmith (ouch, they aren't cheap!) and hung out with the pup.
It's funny sometimes how bumps in the road remind us of how much opportunity we have to choose how we respond. My initial prayer when I realized the door was locked was that I could find an unlocked door and let myself back in. And while that initial desire wasn't answered, as I sat outside waiting for the locksmith, listening to the birds and the trees in the soft breeze, I realized that what I needed had been given to me before I realized I needed it. I was so grateful for the impression to grab my phone before heading out the door, and for His awareness in the little details of my life.
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