We've always had overlap in our dogs. Tokul and Treen. Treen and Tinkham. Tinkham and... Tilly. It hasn't always gone to plan. Treen and Tinkham had only a very short while together and Tokul was already 10 when we got Treen. This time we thought ahead just a bit. Tinkham is almost eight and still in her prime. Perfect to teach Tilly the art of being a Moosefish dog.

We have been looking for the right pup for a few months. Unlike the olden times, there is this thing called the internet that makes finding reputable breeders easy. We had a few false starts, but found Driftcreek Labradors and a litter with three yellow females. The downside? A four-hour drive and we'd have to choose which would become Tillicum.

Mrs. Moosefish and I left Friday night. Somehow, the drive to Salem wasn't as terrible as we expected. It's usually bumper-to-bumper for most of the ride and takes forever. We still rolled into the hotel late. In the morning, we drove the half hour east to meet the potential pups.

Yes, I squealed with delight as we pulled into the driveway and there were three yellow labs peeking out of a wheelbarrow. No, I won't share that video, though I hear Amy might if you ask nicely. (If there was ever a time to set up a Patreon this would be it.) The puppies ran and tumbled on the grass while we talked with the breeders.

Way back when we were training Tokul, I found The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete. It guided us through her early years and has remained an influence.

I used their "Puppy Aptitude Test" to start the impossible task of choosing. I held each pup in my hand with their legs dangling. The longer they fought, the more dominant they might be.

I watched how the puppies played with each other and Georgia, the breeder's family dog. We don't want a dog that's a bully, but also not one that cowers.

Finally, I observed how they looked at the people.

One puppy stood out. She would be Tillicum. The other two were close, but not quite. To be honest, I'm sure any of the three would have been great, but with Tilly clutched tightly to my chest, the decision was made.

She was washed and dried. Microchipped and registered. She curled up in my lap as we drove away from her birthplace. All was good. Then she started howling. Funny at first, then a bit of "oh, yeah, I remember raising a puppy isn't all cuddles". She did settle and we made our way home with a couple of potty breaks and the mandatory stop for chocolate-covered gummy bears. (No. Definitely not for me.)

When we pulled in to our driveway, Lilly was bouncing up and down waiting to meet Tilly. (Yes, we're fully aware of just how confusing that will be. And that's before we add in our upstream neighbor's dog, Lilly.) I brought out Tinkham who sniffed and wondered what this little ball of fur was doing in her yard.

Tilly did her first hike on our trail through the "Gungle" in the backyard. Super inquisitive. Only a little cautious. Tinkham kept her distance.

Clara got home from work and we repeated the joyous meetings. Henry came home from school and it happened again.

It was a busy day for Tillicum and she demanded a nap. If you have raised puppies or kids, you know the signs. She lay down on the carpet. Tinkham lay down next to her. Still not 100% sure, but at that moment I knew it would all be ok.

We've had Tilly at home for two weeks now. We're finding the routine and she's getting close to sleeping through the night. I've been sleeping on the couch most nights, but the kids have taken shifts, too. There are lots of walks in the dark in the wee hours of the night, but it's only been pouring rain a couple of times and has only snowed once. (Yes. It is April and spring break.)

Tilly's been doing well. Tinkham's playing with her and being so very gentle, but still firm. My wrists and ankles are scabbing up nicely from where this furry velociraptor has got me. And she's fullly part of the family.

Expect more and more pictures of this little monster. But if you really want to see it all as she grows, follow on Instagram where way more pics and videos get added.

And pray she stops biting.