hard decisions do not come easy

many of you may not know about our puppy woes. we got cooper just over two years ago. he looked like this and allie LOVED him!

we soon realized that three kids and a dog were more than we could handle. we picked him because he was the puppy sleeping in the crate while the others were yelping and jumping all over each other. in hind site we believe he was sleeping because he had worn his hyper self out. our vet told me that most goldens calm down after a year, but ours would most definitely take two! HA!

she was right. our dog took a full two years to even begin to be manageable. allie still loved him, but he knocked her over constantly and caleb wanted NOTHING to do with him! with every passing day we felt bad about his lack of attention and exercise. i don't even get to work out so making time for the dog to get in a walk was clearly not going to happen. we decided that he needed a home with more attention and love to give. not everyone was on board with the decision as you can see below, but she is coming around.

this is our friend lauren.... and, now, cooper's new owner. it was hard to say goodbye, but knowing that he is going to a great home made it much easier. she is wonderful and even runs... he is going to be in dog heaven with her! and i even think they look like they belong together! don't you? when she came to get him, he laid at her feet and begged to be pet... he just knew!

by the way- just as this picture was being taken, caleb kicked water and mud all over lauren... that is the reason for the laughing! :) ahhhh my family! it is no wonder we needed one less needy soul in our home. cooper, we miss you! lauren, thanks for loving him!

UPDATE: the kids are loving that they can play in the backyard today! we bought them a toy box for all their stuff and it is their new (POOP FREE) play ground!