Hey guys! We have a new family member in the Zottola household.
This is our pup, Niva! She’s an eight-month-old Siberian Husky and a total sweetheart. She’s also quite the escape artist and pro jumper. We definitely have our hands full!
I had been wanting a dog since Lola passed away in October. Then Mavis bit Sadie’s face in February and we made the tough decision to re-home her. I was so sad not having a dog in the house. It took some begging, pleading, and convincing, but Jimmy got on board and said he was ready for a dog.
So, we brought Niva home. She has never lived inside a home until now, and she’s honestly adjusted well thus far. House training is going well, she’s gentle with Sadie, and actually afraid of Malcolm! I think we’re all a bit afraid of Malcolm, though 😉
It feels great to have a dog again. It has definitely brought up memories and emotions surrounding Lola and Mavis and has been a big adjustment for our whole family, but overall, we’re having a positive experience. Niva is a wonderful running partner and so snuggly!
She knows “sit” and “down,” and I’m excited to work on more commands and general training. We sure need to! I’ve never had to tell a dog to get off of the kitchen table. Eek!
I’m sure I’ll be sharing much more about Niva girl, but I just wanted to introduce her and share a bit about her for now!
Living My Full Life 
Congratulations Allie! She’s beautiful. I can’t wait to see more photos and read your blog updates about her. 🙂
I watched the two clips and, wow, she can certainly jump! And it was very cute to see how gentle she was when Sadie fed her.
A house without a dog feels very different – there’s just that presence missing, you know? I’m glad that you’re having such a good time with Niva 🙂
Thank you so much, Grace! I couldn’t believe her jumping skills. Eek! I better channel that energy into something else haha! It melted my heart to see how sweet she was with Sadie!
Maybe she might enjoy some of the puzzles to keep her brain busy! 🙂
YES!
If you need a puppy sitter, I volunteer. Adorable
Love it!! Thank you Mr. Brick!
Congrats! I’m so glad everything is going well with Niva so far. From one dog mom to another, don’t run with such a young dog! It can cause them hip issues since they are still growing. It’s best to wait until at least 1 year but 18 months is even better.
Thanks, Maureen! So funny, I was just researching the running thing and came across so many different guidelines! It sounds like it depends on the size of the dog as well as the breed. Some websites recommended waiting until they’re six months, others said eight, and then others said 1 to 1.5 years. I am going to talk to our vet when we go for her first appointment! I’m so curious what they’ll say!
Defintely talk to the vet! Alex’s family dog (a golden retriever) ran when she was a puppy and ended up having to get hip surgery 1-2 times, I forget how many, and ad she got older had problems walking up and down stairs because of it. But your vet is more qualified than me lol so talk to them. I just would rather wait and not pay for surgery personally 🙂
Wow, that’s crazy! I’ll definitely wait and talk to the vet before we do any more running!
That is TOO funny!!! I’ve never seen a dog lie on a kitchen table like that. Apparently, she thinks that she’s a cat. Ha, ha!! She is absolutely beautiful!!
Yes! I’ve heard people say huskies are like cats, and now I’ve seen it first hand, LOL! Thank you, Nicole!
HAHA-So sweet !
Dad
🙂
I love you too, Dad! ❤
Awwww Niva is so pretty!!! The way she jumped onto the counter was shockingly graceful, lol. She seems like such a sweetie ❤ Congrats on the new pup! And I’m so sorry about Mavis- I can imagine that was a heart-wrenching decision. So much love to you, Allie!
Hahaha, I too was shocked by how gracefully she jumped on the counter! I was thinking “man, I am in for it with this girl!” lol. Thanks for sending love my way, Mackenzie! I need it!
Of course! ❤️❤️
She’s beautiful! And wow can she jump! I’m so glad she’s so gentle and sweet with Sadie! Welcome to your newest family member! ❤
I can’t believe how agile she is… and yet how gentle with Sadie! It’s amazing!
Wonderful news! What a great addition to the family!
Thank you, Stephen! She has been awesome!
Oh my gosh. She is beyond beautiful, Allie! I am so happy for you. ♡ The photo of her on the kitchen table definitely made me giggle!
Thank you so much, Hunida!! ❤