Our best kept Lil secret. Training Eli and Gracie:

We decided to expand our family 3 weeks ago. :) There had been a void since we had to find Chico a new home. He was a chihuahua and too territorial after Eli was born. He bit Eli twice in the face. We knew we wanted to stay clear of small dogs this time. When Chris left for training last month he planted the seed that we were ready for a dog. I wasn't too sure myself but after he left I was a bit scared in this new house without him.  I realized now may actually be a good time to help Eli stay distracted while Dada is away. We also have 3 months to get the puppy trained before BB#2 arrives if we do it now. Our boys could have a dog to grow up with! The hunt was on. We knew the costs involved with a new puppy; shots, supplies, spade/neutering, etc. which meant we couldn't pay $800+ for a pure breed dog too. Chris found several online in our area and we were checking humane societies. Then he found an Australian Shepherd/Black Lab for a $50 rehoming fee! Eli and I drove 30 mins to Chesapeake and met her previous owner. She was a hair dresser and realized after a short time that it wasn't fair to leave Gracie home alone while she worked. She cried when she told her goodbye but knew she needed a new home. She's possibly the only girl I'll ever have. :) She is such a sweetheart, herds and plays with Eli and sits on command.  Meet Gracie:

It has been a learning experience for me and a trying 3 weeks training both of them, but SO worth it.  Daddy said today "I think she's potty trained" and that made my day! She still has her occasional accidents but is doing much better. Believe me on Day #2, this Momma was ready to give her back to her previous owner (who was on standby just in case) but we stuck it out and we're so happy we did.  All the hard work is truly worth it for the joy she brings our family....especially Eli!  

We brought Gracie home the day after Daddy left for training in Connecticut so he hadn't met her yet. Here they are meeting for the first time last night!

 
We're not just biased, she is just plain smart.  (Although Chris say's she has smart owner's) haha. She sits the minute we grab her leash and sits again when we come back inside for us to take it off (without telling her to).  She sits on command and listens.  Chris came home and taught her how to drop while playing fetch and "down" in the first day.  I'm convinced he's the "Gracie whisperer".

I fell in love with her on Day #3 and after 3 weeks, she is definitely part of our family. We can't wait for all our visitors this Fall/Winter to meet her!  Love you all, The Bruce's

Okay one last pic.  This was her sitting in the passenger seat on the way back from her 2nd set of shots this week.  Too cute: