I am a crazy or child lady now.

[Leafmite]

Puppies can nearly drive one insane. Our beloved older dog, the American Eskimo, was an example. She was constantly getting into trouble. I was very frazzled. Then, at eleven months, she suddenly settled down and became the angelic dog that she has been for eleven years. And that is what makes puppies worth getting. Good luck with the puppies!

[nikkik]

I love puppies! When my mastiff was a puppy he would bite our legs, we would wear "puppy pants" because he would put holes in any pants we would wear. He was ridiculously easy to housebreak, semi hard to leash train and we have never been able to train him to not steal our food! My great dane we adopted at 8 months, so she wasn't really a puppy.

They are both 8 and 1/2 now, with my dane's health being touch and go. I look for and treasure "the puppy moments" (chasing me in the yard even if it's only for 30 seconds or putting their paws on the counter when they think I'm not looking) because those things tell me that there's still life left in my elderly dogs.

They are family and I extend my sympathy to all who have lost a beloved companion.

As for the orchids, I agree with leafmite. As long as you enjoy and can handle your number, it's not crazy. Orchids are my hobby and besides an occasional show or meeting, it's a hobby that keeps me close to my family but gives me the respite I need each day for about 30 minutes.