Author: Allie Zottola

Currently: September 2017

Current book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I try to read this book once or twice a year. It’s just a wonderful reminder that each of us were created by God for a purpose.

Current blessing Receiving a letter from the boy Jimmy and I sponsor at Niños de Mexico. It makes me heart so incredibly happy to know that he is safe, healthy, has a home, and is learning about God.

Ninos de Mexico sponsorship letter

Current beauty product Yes To Carrots Super Rich Body Butter. It fits my beauty product criteria: natural, smells good, and works great!

Current goal This is a lofty one, but I want to finish the first draft of my book by the end of the year. Can’t believe I’m putting it out there, but I’m hoping it will help me stay accountable.

Current indulgence Watercoloring. I love pulling out my paint and brushes every now and then. This time I was making some simple art to put in a 5×7 frame for our bedroom. I chose the bottom right one.

Abstract watercolor painting

Current drink As always, coffee. Really enjoying the single origin organic Peru beans from Aldi. Also had an iced vanilla latte the other day and it hit. the. spot.

Current craving I want to paint my nails. I just need to find a chunk of time when Mavis is sleeping so I don’t worry about picking her up with wet nails, ha.

Current food Vegetables from our garden! I know we’re nearing the end of the gardening season, so I’m trying to soak up all the garden time I can.

San Marzano, cherry, and purple tomatoes Japanese eggplant, purple tomatoes, San Marzano tomatoes, and green beans

Current confession I don’t want summer to end, but at the same time I’m looking forward to fall and the holiday season. I’m planning a fall dinner for Jimmy and I and looking forward a new season of Gold Rush.

Current obsession Anything that has to do with our fur babies. Jimmy and I brought Mavis to her first training class this week and it was so much fun!

Girl cuddling cocker spaniel puppy

Current need Absolutely nothing! Feeling extremely blessed.

Current procrastination Mopping the floors. I’ve Swiffered the living daylights out of them, but I know they need a good old fashioned mopping.

Current excitement My mom bought a truck! She was torn between a few different Chevy models and the Ford F-150. She went with the Ford and told me she is loving it. I can’t wait to take a ride with her!

New 2017 Ruby Red Ford F-150

Current prayer For all the victims of Hurricane Harvey to find comfort, safety, hope, and solace. Watching the news has been heartbreaking. I highly recommend checking out the nonprofit I.D.E.S. if you’re looking to donate.

Current mood Happy. Looking forward to the weekend!

Current question Have you ever had someone tell you that you look like your name should be something other than your real name? I cannot tell you how many people have told me I look like my name should be Daisy. I’ve also gotten Alice, Genevieve, and Luna (apparently I look like Luna Lovegood?), but I get Daisy a lot. So much so that my parents call me Daisy instead of Allie.

Mavis at 10.5 Weeks

Mavis is now 10.5 weeks old! She turns 11 weeks on Friday, and we’ve now had her for almost three weeks. In some ways, it feels like she’s been a part of our family forever, and in other ways it feels like we’re still getting to know this little fluff ball.

Brown and white cocker spaniel puppy

She is wild and cuddly and happy and sassy. She brings so much laughter and life to our house, and also keeps us on our toes 24/7. She is quick to learn, and will do anything Lola is doing. Malcolm and her play until they drop and it’s hilarious to see them run through the house at full speed. She lets me hold her like a baby and sprawls out in the most adorable ways when she naps.

Likes

  • Playing with Lola and Malcolm
  • Snuggling with Lola
  • Drinking water and chewing on her water dish
  • Chewing on Lola’s collar, lips, and neck
  • Walking around the garden with me
  • Taking walks
  • Meeting new people
  • Chewing on my flip flops
  • Belly rubs
  • Squeaky toys, rubber bones, and any of Malcolm’s toys
  • Going underneath our neighbor’s fence to see her and get attention

Brown and white cocker spaniel puppy outside

Dislikes

  • Not being in the same room as me.
  • Being put in her crate when she’s not tired.
  • Being forced to go to the bathroom outside when she wants to play inside.
  • Being picked up when she doesn’t want to be picked up.

Firsts

  • She went to the vet and did great! She is healthy and up to date on shots.
  • She has had numerous baths and has done well thanks to lots of treats.
  • We took her to the pet store the first week we had her and she fell asleep in the middle of an aisle.
  • She went to her first puppy training class and rocked it.
  • She slept through the night for the first time around nine weeks, but sometimes wakes up once or twice a night.
  • Mavis visited Jimmy and my dad at their respective workplaces.
  • She’s had a few days with no accidents in the house!
  • She learned “sit” and we’re working on recall.
  • She has met all of Jimmy’s family.

Brown and white cocker spaniel puppy in car

Other thoughts and notes

  • We’re pretty sure she came home with fleas, so we are treating all the pets. Whew is flea medication expensive!
  • She does well in the car and likes to sit on my lap or just rest in the passenger seat.
  • I hate leaving her. I’m the one with separation anxiety, ha.
  • She is beginning to catch on to house training, and having potty bells on the door handle has helped a lot.
  • Her ears touch everything her nose touches since they’re so long.
  • Lola sometimes acts up (digs in the trash, eats cat litter, etc.) so I’m trying to give her extra attention.
  • Mavis walked on top of a sewer grate and her legs went through. She looked like a little hot dog and just got up and kept walking.
  • I love when her little nub of a tail wags. Sometimes it looks like a helicopter and I think she’s going to lift off the ground 😉
  • She isn’t afraid of much of anything. She’s very curious about the world around her.
  • Having three pets is hard work and crazy most of the time, but so much fun.

Brown and white cocker spaniel puppy sleeping on her back

I think that’s everything! Sorry I’m the crazy dog lady who writes a post about her puppy like she’s a baby 🙂

Overall, Mavis has been so much fun and is adjusting well to our little zoo!