Over the years I’ve shared a fair amount of our personal lives with you guys. I try not to inundate you with pictures of my kids, but I view this blog as not only my creative outlet, but also a scrapbook of sorts. So it seems only right for me to introduce you to the newest member of our family….Maggie!
I would hardly call us ‘dog people.’ Mr. Sugarplum and I both had dogs as kids, but haven’t had one since. Over the last 15 years, we always seemed to live next to people who left their dogs in the backyard all day and night. That leads to unhappy dogs that bark. A lot. At all hours. Needless to say, that impacted our desire for a dog.
But our son had different ideas, and has been asking for a dog since he was 5 years old. But we always had a reason to say no…
“Your sister is a baby”“We don’t have a big enough back yard.”“I don’t want dog hair all over the furniture.”“You have allergies.”“I don’t have time to train a puppy.”“We’re just too busy, and never home!”
Then a few years ago, our daughter started in on the begging, too, and it was a constant conversation in our house. I always dreamed of surprising them Christmas morning with a puppy, but Maggie had other plans for us.
We were coming out of Target last month (so obviously I was in a good mood), and saw that PetSmart was having an adoption event next door. Of course the kids started in immediately to go look at all the puppies, and for some reason I agreed (must have been the Target-high). Long story short, this sweet girl met us at the door and didn’t leave our sides until we brought her home.
 |
| All three of them are practically glowing with happiness! |
Even though it happened suddenly, bringing Maggie home wasn’t a decision we made lightly. Each of us spent time with her to be sure we all felt the same thing. And since she’s a rescue, we wanted to see how she behaved around children, other dogs, in the car and at home. The kids also had to agree to being responsible for feeding, walking, and bathing her…not to mention, poop duty. It’s amazing to see them get up early every morning just to walk her before school.
 |
| I swear she smiles! |
Maggie is around 2-years-old, so she’s house-trained, and doesn’t chew on things. Bonus! She barks only when someone knocks on the door, she doesn’t get on the furniture much, and she doesn’t even shed. We won the dog-lottery with this sweet girl! She also loves car rides, and sticks to us like glue.
 |
| When she’s not following us around, she’s waiting for a belly-rub. |
In just a few short weeks, she has totally stolen our hearts (ok, we’re obsessed with her) and has become 100% part of our family. Turns out, none of our arguments of why we shouldn’t get a dog even apply…or matter…with Maggie.
 |
| First day of school |
 |
| Soccer games |
She’s really sweet with the kids, and a great playmate for them. They adopted her with their own money, so they feel a real sense of ownership and responsibility for her.
I’m convinced she knows we rescued her…she is so loving and grateful. And just like that, we’re totally dog people.
 |
| How could we not love this sweet face?! |
Don’t worry, this won’t turn into a pet blog…but since Maggie is everywhere we are, she’s likely to make frequent appearances. She’s got about 10 different breeds in her, so we call her ‘All American.’ Do you have any guesses as to what she is (she weighs 40 pounds and her fur is soft)? Are you a dog person? Have you ever suddenly and completely unexpectedly fallen in love with an animal?!?
Congrats on your new dog – she's a cutie!! We just got a puppy 2 weeks ago an the kids are in love (us too) we had never had a dog before so it was a big adjustment but we are enjoying our Jake 🙂
Aw, congrats on Jake!! Such a sweet dog name!
We are dog people. We have two, and have had a few when we were kids too. We are those responsible dog people too. No dogs left outside to bark incessantly. We don't allow them to do their business in other peoples' yards. Our only wish is the people in this neighborhood would do the same. My kids have poop duty, as well as feeding them and brushing them. Unfortunately, our shed.
Oh yes, we are always watching out the window when neighbors walk by with their dogs! We caught one this weekend throwing his dog's poo in our trash can!! I busted him in the act and kindly asked that he take it to his own trash! 🙂
She is adorable! Congrats on your new addition! Such a sweet post. I have tears in my eyes after reading it.
me too!! 🙂 #pmsmuch?
First of all thanks for getting a rescue! With three of my own, I can totally agree that they make the best pets. All three of mine were grown when we rescued them, and it sure is nice to skip the puppy phase!
Oh, and in the rescue I work with (DFW Rescue Me), we call them Texas Brown Dogs. There are so many that we take in that have a look similar to Maggie's, but I like All American 😉
That's awesome you work the local rescue!!! We got Maggie through Texas Little Cuties…the lady that runs it is so nice and helpful!! I couldn't imagine going any other route!
hello Maggie!! You're kids must be over the moon excited, and she looks pretty thrilled too :). Glad they caught you on a Target-high! My husband and I adopted a dog 2 years ago, the first dog both of us have ever had, and I swear he KNOWS he was rescued. He also knows if he tilts his head to the side just so and props up an ear he'll probably get a taste of whatever I'm eating…. lol
Ha!! We're staying away from table food…for now!! But I'm sure it won't take long for her to work me! 😉
Awww!!!! What a happy story!!!! We adopted a rescue last year at Christmas- it was our daughter's Christmas gift— and we added him to our two rescue cats and our Yorkie. He is just fabulous- such a sweet spirit. Don't tell anybody but I think we might love him best! 🙂
She is awesome!!!! After spending my first 40 years (ouch) with purebred dachshunds (and they are wonderful) I got a rescue mixed-breed last year, and I won't ever go back. There are too many unscrupulous breeders out there, and so many dogs who need homes. We love our pup, and I'm thrilled you gave Maggie a great home.
My grandparents had a dachshund when I was growing up and I loved that kooky dog!!
So sweet! My husband and I were totally not dog people either. My 9 year old son begged for years for a dog but like you, we put him off with excuses as long was we could. We finally agreed the summer before last and got a golden retriever puppy. It was an adjustment at first but she is the sweetest dog ever. Sometimes my husband I just look at her and wonder how we have a 65 lb dog in our house but we love her so much. Makes me wonder why we waited so long! She's my son's constant companion.
We have totally said that too! Sometimes my husband will look over at me when Maggie is sleeping on the floor, and say, 'We have a dang dog in our house!! How did that happen?!" 🙂
Congratulations to you and Maggie! Lucky girl! We have had one (or two) dogs for the last 25 years – can't live without them. My sister adopted a stray dog years ago and was always asked "what kind of dog is that?" wherever she went. I saw a canine DNA test kit you can order so she did and now can answer "Boxer-Chow-Brittany-German Shepherd" when asked. It was so easy. Here's a link to a kit sold on Amazon. Good luck! http://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Mixed-Breed-DNA-Test/dp/B004GFN2ZA
How fun — thanks for the link!
Sweet Sweet pup! Awesome addition to the Sugarplum fam! We have a chocolate lab furbaby and she truly is a member of the family. Enjoy!
She is beautiful! Congratulations on the new addition to your family.
What a sweet dog! I think she may have some beagle in her – it's the face (shape and the little moles with the whiskers coming out) and the soft fur.
awww how sweet! and yes she is such a sweet looking dog – and you nailed it on her name. She totally looks like a Maggie – my husband has always had a dog his whole adult life, so a few years ago our beloved Rusty passed and we thought we would wait to get another. well, about a year later my daughter's friends (they are grown) were moving to China and could not take their rescue dog, so we rescued her again and brought her home with us. She was totally house trained too which is such a bonus! We sometimes wonder what happened to her when she was young because certain things spook her. We love her and she is so a part of the family – congrats on your newest family member. life will never be the same! 🙂
Thanks, Kelli! She came with the name Maggie, but it stuck with us. Besides, there's no way the 4 of us would have been able to agree on a new name! 🙂
We are definitely dog people. We had 3, but unfortunately had to say good bye a few months back to our beloved Golden (the girls first dog). He was 13. We still have 2, one rescue, one rescued from our oldest, LOL. Love them both. I would say she has maybe boxer, beagle, corgi in her. Oh, and be thankful you didn't do the Christmas morning thing…one of the worst times to give kids a puppy apparently.
I've been breathlessly waiting for Maggie's HiSugarplum debut! What a lucky, lucky girl she is to have landed in such a sweet and loving and fun family. I take a lot of credit for this – when your two come up to stay with us, they always made sure our dogs were involved in everything they did. I cold tell they had the "dog gene". Maggie looks so much like our Mabel, a breed we've nicknamed Tijuana Terrier because she looks like so many dogs we always see in Mexico! Thank you for adopting…there is a sense of eternal gratitude in a rescue dog…it IS like they know they've been saved.
You trained us all well!! Thank you for all your help and tips!!! I promise to stop texting you about poop soon! 🙂 xo
Awwwwww! I love this post! Miss Maggie looks SO sweet!
Rescue dogs really are the best! They definitely know you saved them. We actually got a DNA test done on ours (yes, we are crazy!)- you can get them on Amazon.
We also designed a whole room around him: http://createbakecelebrate.blogspot.com/2013/08/create-laundry-room-wheres-that-from.html
I repeat, yes, we are crazy! Enjoy all the love!
Love that room…and thanks for the link!!
I love this post- so heartwarming! I love how happy your kids AND Maggie look 🙂 I truly believe owning pets can be great therapy. They can be so calming and give unconditional love.
She is adorable! Both of my pups are rescues, too. She looks a lot like our baby, only he sheds like nobody's business. You really hit the jackpot with a no-shedder!! Envious of that! Looking forward to seeing more of Maggie! She hit the jackpot with you all, lucky girl 🙂
I cried while reading this. Rescue is the BEST breed. I rescued Miley almost two years ago – but did she really rescue me? I wholeheartedly believe in Dog Karma. Maggie was meant to be there, and you were meant to find her. So very happy for you and your family – and feel blessed that she doesn't shed. 😛
So so dear, Cassie. So much love and so many lessons in all of this for the whole family. Lucky, Maggie!! And luck you guys.
She has the face of an angel! My dog is also named Maggie.(great name. good choice). Rescue dogs are always the best. They know you rescued them and are forever grateful to you. Enjoy you new pup ! She is awesome!!
She's beautiful! It's hard not to completely fall in love with our dogs! They are definitely family! Congrats 🙂
Welcome to the family of adopted dog owners. Your Maggie is the luckiest dog around to have you adopt her and you're the luckiest family around to get her. We too have an adopted rescue dog (and so was my first dog). You are teaching your children such wonderful life lessons and for sure, Maggie will teach you all many life lessons, too. Enjoy.
That is AWESOME! I so commend you on adopting a rescue dog…I have worked with a rescue here in VA for years and there are so many loving animals just waiting for the right home. Looks like Maggie found the RIGHT home & that makes me happy. I have 2 dogs & 6 cats…cuz I'm a sucker for animals like that even though I said NO cats to the kids years ago. We see how that turned out eh? LOL! Good for you & hope you all have many more years of memories of your furbaby!
hugz,
Suzanne
Oh my gosh! She is just adorable and has stolen my heart too! I grew up around dogs my whole life, but haven't had one since we have been married. I think I would agree to one once we had kids to take care of him/her. So happy for your family. She will become part of the family (seems like she already has) for sure!
She is beautiful! We are dog people. Both of ours are rescues, and I agree they know and are grateful.
It is a shame that Maggie doesn't look like she gets much attention! Our son visited with his dog 13 years ago and left his dog with us when he left. We became dog people over night. When Dorje died at 14 in July, we got a puppy immediately – we are nuts.
Enjoy Maggie who obviously is one of the family.
Yay Maggie! So Scruffy finally has a girlfriend — thank goodness 😉 Congrats to the kids and no matter how hard you try, just assume your Instagram will fill up with doggy pics….
Maggie looks like she could be sister of our Sierra (also a rescue). We had no idea what bread she was until a retired dog trainer asked us how we liked having a Basenji. After doing a bit of research, we agree that Sierra is most likely part (or mostly) a Basenji – along with quite a few other things as well. 😉
My girls and I have a rescue Lab/Blue Heeler and he's a wonderful addition to our family. Rescuses are the best – we also have a rescue cat and our previous three cats were rescue also! LOL
I love these pics! I'm not sure who looks happier–Maggie or the kids. Love Maggie's eyeliner and smile. 🙂 Maggie was meant to be with your family.
I can't figure which is the best pic, she's a sweety. After our last dog passed away, I swore I would never go through that heart ache ever again. Until last January when I was "near" the Humane Society and saw this teeny tiny puppy. Turns out the teeny tiny puppy was a Great Dane mix, and now weighs well over 100lbs. We love her to death too, big bones and all. Could Maggie have Corgie in here? She looks alot like my neighbors dog.
Oh my goodness! This post about made me cry! How blessed is Maggie?!?! And how blessed are you?!?! I love a story about an animal (especially an older/not a puppy) rescue. This is officially my favorite Hi Sugarplum post! XOXO
This is so heartwarming. Thanks for rescuing! I have 3 rescues myself and they are the sweetest, most thankful dogs anyone could ask for. And, you know, I'm never upset when dog pictures happen.
She looks precious, we just recently got a puppy who is now 4 months, and it's a lot of hard work potty training! Our Jack Russel we got him when he was already 3 years old and he was potty trained, I never knew how hard of work it really is to potty train!
what a happy happy story! love this! how sweet is she. and i totally believe in animals picking their owners. when we adopted pixel, hubby played with the only male in the litter for 2 hours totally convinced that he wanted him and then i reached into the pen and pixel licked my hand … we ended up adopted her instead of the male. i swear she picked us. how does maggie like the pool? is she a swimmer?
Maggie is absolutely adorable! Congrats on getting a rescue! I completely agree that they're aware and grateful, rescue dogs are the best! Maggie sounds a lot like our Maisy- she was 2 when we rescued her, housebroken, doesn't chew…basically the perfect dog 🙂 I love how happy your kids look with Maggie- such a heartwarming post!
that is so awesome! I luv that they are so responsible for her! and ur right how cud you not luv that sweet looking gal! and she does know that y'all adopted her and how much you luv her!
I'm so glad you guys adopted. We have 3 rescued/adopted dogs and believe me, they know! They are the most loving and grateful animals, you will never regret bringing her home. For people out there: please don't buy! Pupymills
Maggie is so cute! We rescued our lab 3 years ago, and he's the best dog ever! We got so lucky. So happy for you guys. Enjoy your newest member of the family.
Awww, your kids must be so excited! Maggie is now a true member of the family!
awww congrats! she is so so cute. i was never a dog person until we got our first dog and now i'm obsessed. plus we got a second one haha. but she is adorable and sounds very loved. and i'm so so happy to hear that you adopted too which is fabulous. congrats!
— jackie @ jade and oak
She is adoooorable! We are so dog people. Posted my little one sunbathing in my post today actually! Maggie looks like she might have some pit bull in her! Something about the square shape of the top of her head makes me think that. I almost teared up reading the end.. I'm sure she knows & appreciates that you guys rescued her.
Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget
Aww so stinkin cute! Your kiddos look really happy! I thinks kids just need dogs:) Great that it was a rescue situation too!
Laura
House Envy
She looks like our Maggie girl! Ours was a Queensland Healer mix, your Maggie ears are different, but the face and coat are the same. We had our Maggie for 15 wonderful years. She was a great dog and I miss her everyday. We now have a min pin, Franklin. He's quite the character.So yes, we are dog people and totally and madly in love!
Congratulations on your new addition to your family! Maggie is adorable. She's a lucky dog to have all of you and you all are lucky to have her. We got our guy, Lars, a couple years ago and can't imagine life without him. So much love, loyalty, laughter, companionship and he gets me out each and every day for exercise! Enjoy Miss Maggie!
Rescues have a way of doing that — making dog people out of non-dog people. She is precious and your family is in for years of love and fun! We just lost our rescue last summer… 17 years she was part of our lives. One day we'll get another… another rescue. They're the best.
xo Heidi
Adorable! You will never ever regret adopting her, instead you will be so grateful you did! My husband and I adopted our dog Lulu when I was 4 weeks pregnant (we were crazy haha) and I can honestly say she changed my life. She gives me so much joy and she is so sweet with the baby now.. She is part of our family 🙂
This actually got me a little choked up! Every family should have a dog…and experience the unconditional love they give. Congrats to you and Maggie!!
Oh…. I forgot…my guess is that she's beagle, Shepard and a bunch of other things. Adorable!
Congrats, Cassie! Maggie looks so sweet and seems as if she truly belongs with all of you. She is smiling and I really believe that rescue dogs know that they have been saved. So happy for all of you!
Aww, you have me crying at my desk!! She looks so happy and I'm glad she's made all of you happy too! She's a lucky pooch! Makes me want to run home now to hug my own pup! Enjoy her! What a good looking doggie!
We loved our furry monster Hiro more than most of our relatives, we always used to say. #crazydogloverhere Sweet Mags!! I just want to smooch her. Thanks for adopting a rescue! And dude, I need to hit you up for parenting skills b/c y'all are awesome at it. Those kids are the best.
xoxo
So sweet! I'm so impressed the kids take such responsibility of her. (Impressed = jealous) She seems like the perfect fit for y'all.
Aw I love her!!! I am definitely a dog person, not a cat person in the least bit! My family always had dogs when I was growing up and currently my husband and I have two. We don't let our dogs sleep with us or get on the furniture though. There's nothing wrong with that!! We just don't prefer it. I'm normally pretty good at guessing dog breeds but Maggie has me stumped! Anyway, so glad you rescued her and good luck with her! She looks so sweet! Dogs really are the best! =]
Runt
runtspickins@yahoo.com
http://www.runtspickins.wordpress.com
Of course Maggie knows you rescued her! And you can tell by the pictures that she is grateful. You will never regret owning a dog. I simply can't imagine life without one!
You know I'm a dog person! So happy for you guys and Maggie. She found the perfect family and you found the perfect dog. Love this post!
She's a gorgeous dog! We aren't dog people yet, but I have a feeling that will change once we have children!
Your Maggie looks EXACTLY like my Maggie! Our Maggie is about 50 pounds and her fur is soft as well. We believe she is lab/boxer mix. She is a complete joy and we've had her about 7 years now. She's probably 10. We rescued her as well. She is my baby and a true love. We enjoy her so much! Enjoy your new addition. They bring such joy and comfort.
I went to look up your boots and shoes to show my daughter and I saw this post on your Maggie. The pics made me smile a lot! She's so cute! And all of the interaction with your family/kids is heart warming. I think she knows too 😉 i wasn't a dog person either until I met my husband and his dog.
I went to look up your boots and shoes to show my daughter and I saw this post on your Maggie. The pics made me smile a lot! She's so cute! And all of the interaction with your family/kids is heart warming. I think she knows too 😉 i wasn't a dog person either until I met my husband and his dog.
OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! Your dog is sooooooo amazingly cute!!!!!!!!! How did I not know that you had a dog?!!!? you failed to mention this today.
Jimmy typed that comment.
Congrats on the new addition to the family! She has such beautiful eyes!
I adopted my mixed breed rescue four years ago and it was one of the best things I ever did. He turned out to be the perfect dog for my lifestyle. Even came to work with me when I was at a dog friendly office!
Awwww Congrats to your family….I have had dogs all of my life and they can bring so much love to your family!
I have been meaning to comment on this for awhile now – this story is just full of endless sweetness. So happy for Maggie to have found the perfect family, and for you all to have found the perfect pup! They really do make life happier, and they say even the act of petting a dog is therapeutic {not that you need it when you have Target therapy}. Congrats guys!
xo!
Adorable….with the wrinkles in her forehead and the white feet, she's got to have some basenji in her!!
LOVE! We, to date, are not dog people, although I've never met a dog I didn't love. It totally cracks me up to see her laying upside down. That is what my uncle's dogs do and he lives in Granbury. Perhaps it is a Texas thing? Can't wait to see how Maggie makes her way into your blog. And why wouldn't she? She is adorb! 🙂
Congrats on adopting Maagie! She's gorgeous. I grew up with dogs – but outside dogs too. My husband nagged for about 6 months for us to get a poodle before I finally relented. I knew I was done for about 3 months in when I gave Penelope a kiss on the head ….
Congrats on adopting Maagie! She's gorgeous. I grew up with dogs – but outside dogs too. My husband nagged for about 6 months for us to get a poodle before I finally relented. I knew I was done for about 3 months in when I gave Penelope a kiss on the head ….
Oh my gosh, best story ever. Love rescue dogs! Would you be up for sharing her story in my pet series one of these weeks?
Of course!! Give me a little time to get settled! 😉 xo