Yes, I am barely awake. Too early for coffee, too late for martini but not too late for my 4 month old 'Chiweenie' pup to have to'go potty' in the rain, no less.

A Chiweenie is a hybrid of Chihuaha and Dachsund. 'Sampson' got ALL the Dachsund genes. He is adorable. Good natured easy to train, and almost understands all my english words except one, 'Sampson'. Yep, his own name. My husband thinks we should change his name to 'king tut' as that's the way he acts. Struts with his muscular shoulders, strong feet and legs, great carrier of objects for long distances. What a dog to ADOPT. We did not plan this pup. He was dropped in our laps at 6 weeks old.

Who can resist a beautiful short auburn hair, dark brown eyes, and what a snuggle monster Potty training, chewing training, leash training, not jumping on company training, no people food training, travel training, following directions training and finally collar training.

I now see why women stop having children near the 50 year old age. I was in total shock. Up at all hours of the night, and 4:30 am became my out of the bed and start your day time. I think I have used the word 'no' more than 'good boy' over the last 4 months. Our pooch, Kendra Marie is 8 years old and spoiled, spoiled, spoiled. It was very hard but she is adapting to the little rug rat too.

We live in a very rural part of central Arizona and predators roam our three acres. There are no fences and we used to feed the Gamble Quail, all the beautiful birds, water for the mule deer, and vegetable remains for the wild pigs or coyotes.

Therefore I must keep quite a watch for the little burrower. I attached a small bell to his collar and am considering attaching one of those styrofoam balls that people put on their car antennas on Sampson's tail. It would be much easier to keep my eyes on him. My hubby says 'no'...see I even get to hear it too. Well the main reason I am writing this article is that Sampson's fourth month birthday is today.

The second reason is to get the information out to the public that adopting a dog, cat, racoon or even a Beta fish takes responsibility and plenty of your time. There is not one reason to adopt a pet unless one is prepared for the work that follows.

I have to admit...It was worth every waking, scolding, laughing, minute of training because Sampson is becoming quite the little 'man' dog. I am even considering going to classes for 'visiting dogs' to the sick and elderly.

The morning Sampson pawed at the sliding door to get my attention that he had to go outside was the most rewarding minute of my latter years.

Keep smiling and remember, do not take on more than you can chew.