On Brady's second night with us, he awoke about every 2 hours, cried for a few minutes and went back to sleep. When we heard him stirring at 6 am, we figured that really was morning and I took him out of the crate. Bruce enjoys taking Brady outside first thing as they've developed a routine. Bruce gives him the command to follow, Brady follows him out and down the deck steps, they walk to the back of the yard where the pup eliminates. Then there is much merriment and celebration as Brady is given an overpriced puppy biscuit for a reward.

The third night was a charm because Brady slept from 10:30 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. without crying out or howling even once. And his bed was bone dry. Hallelujah! 

Now with human babies, it can be 10 months or more before you get that kind of a stretch of sleep. One of the things I like about dogs is that development is greatly accelerated. (Of course, the flip side is that I won't be able to pick him up in about three weeks since he'll be rapidly headed towards 55 lbs. in a New York minute.)

Matter of fact, there are many things I like about dogs in general, and puppies, specifically.

I like: puppy breath, sweet and musty; also, the feel of velvety fur against my neck, the way they bounce and are nearly airborne with the joy of a pine cone or stick in the backyard. 

Here's what I don't like:

Taking them out every couple hours during the day when it's icy, slushy and damply grey. 

Correcting them over and over and over. (As in, "Sophie doesn't want to play- She's old enough to be in assisted living....so, don't nudge her, Brady)

Here's the good news: Brady's only had about 2 accidents in the house since we picked him up on Sunday and it's Wednesday. Also, he gets that we really like our sleep at night. That's key.

Finally, he doesn't mind if I want to hold him and dance to Michael Jackson's "Black or White".

I'd give him a 9.5 for the all-around pet score, thus far.