Today, I want to introduce the newest member of our family. This is little Ava. She is one smart, intuitive puppy. As a matter of fact, she came into our lives at just the right moment. Perhaps to help us heal.
You see, after the loss of a deeply loved pet, our hearts were broken.
But, let’s back up for a moment. If you follow me on Instagram, you likely remember our sweet golden retriever, Haley. I shared her story there, but in case you don’t know it, I’ll catch you up.
We love our dogs very much and they play a major role in our daily lives. Haley and our other golden retrievers blend into our home, our lifestyle, and the images you see here on our website.
They are rescues and an additional passion in my life beyond decorating and home styling.
We adopted Haley in late 2010 just after we got married. She was 2 at the time. About a year ago, she was diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma which is an aggressive form of cancer. Sadly, after 10 months of treatment, and loving care from her vets and our family, Haley lost her battle. Then three days later, tragedy struck. Our senior golden retriever Max, died suddenly after a seizure. Left – Haley, Right – Max.
Naturally, we were all incredibly sad. Including our golden boy Riley, who was very bonded with Haley. For over seven years, they were rarely far from each other.
A couple of months went by and we realized it was time to begin thinking of adding a new pup to our family. I use the word “pup” but, the truth is, we thought we would likely adopt a 1-2 year old female. We rescue our dogs from Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue and I never dreamed there would be a puppy available for adoption.
So, we put our names on the waiting list and we waited.
As it turned out, sweet Ava was in fact (almost) available. She would need a loving home soon and we were lucky to be in line for her.
Ava had a rough start to life. She was dumped with her sister, in a parking lot, very sick with parvo, adenovirus, coronavirus and coccidia (an intestinal parasite).
Golden Beginnings took her in and found excellent veterinary care for her. The generosity of numerous good samaritans paid her vet bills. Sadly, her sister didn’t make it, but Ava fought through the painful viruses and eventually was available for adoption.
Once we met her, we knew it was a match made in Heaven.
She is now a happy, healthy, and funny little puppy! And she’s ours!
Oh, and she’s the reason I haven’t managed to get as many blog posts done as of late!
I must say, it felt like she found us.
Even Riley is beginning to bond with her.
We love her so much already!
Thank you for reading our story! You can find all room sources below, plus my Top 10 puppy essentials list!
If you are wondering how we keep our home clean with pets, read my Clean Home with Pets post!
Living Room
Master Bedroom
Guest Bedroom
TOP 10 PUPPY ESSENTIALS
Crate | Crate Cover | Puppy Playpen | Bed | Collar | Tag | Leash | Toys | Food & Water Bowls | Treats
- I recently found out about this crate. It is quite an investment, but its extremely strong and sturdy and the reviews are excellent. If you don’t need the strength, we use this one and love it.
- I think it is nice to use a cover over your crate. This one is seriously adorable and comes in several sizes.
- We call our playpen “puppy jail”. Lol! It is an amazing place for a brief time out! Ours is similar to this one. They come with a cover as well. Covered option.
- This toile is bed beautiful! We move our dog beds from one room to the next. If you do the same, be sure to find one that goes with your home decor.
- Love of cute fabric options for these collars and you can choose your hardware finish! The pink floral one with rose gold is precious!
- This leash is cute too!
- I LOVE these these tags!
- You will love these cute bowls for your fur baby. If your dog eats too fast, these are fantastic. We’ve used them for years.
- Chew toys, chew toys, and more chew toys! This Nylabone and these hoof chews are lifesavers! I have counted on them for years!
- Treats are a great training tool. We use this brand of natural treats and our dogs love them.
Use the arrows to find additional products.
Stay connected…..
Click on the Image to Subscribe
SOCIAL
Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook
So cute! ❤️
Thank you Bobbi!!! xoxo
She is adorable and will certainly help to heal your shattered hearts, human and doggy. What a wonderful rescue group. Enjoy making lots of happy memories with your new baby.
Thank you Melissa! It has been wonderful to have a little one around. Thank you for stopping by! xoxo
Such a sad, yet sweet story. It is so wonderful that you have a perfect new baby! I can’t imagine our lives with out our precious doggies! The pictures of yours are just adorable.
Holliday, I feel the same way. Our sweet dogs make each day more special. Thank you for your kind words! xoxo
So sorry about the loss of your precious pups. Your new fur baby is adorable and looks happily at home already. Have missed your posts and was glad to see this today. Love the puppy essentials ideas!
Robin, thank you! We love her! I am so sorry for my absence. xo
Jen I can’t tell you how happy I am for you and your family in finding Ava. What a great story even if I am in tears (happy tears). Congrats on your new addition to the family.
Oh Becky, you have such a tender heart. Thank you so much! We are so happy that she is ours!
Jen, this just made my day. So happy for your family, and your new baby girl, who is the luckiest pup in he world to have made her way into your life. Love this and love you
Kelley, you are the sweetest! I still remember chatting with you the day you got your darling baby. So glad we’re friends! xo
It’s hard to have a heavy heart with a puppy in the house. They don’t replace your other dogs but they do have a way of easing that pain and bringing laughter into your home once again. She’s adorable!
My daughter adopts rescues and posts others to her Facebook page tagging friends. There are too many lovely dogs without a good home. You’re doing a good thing.
Joanna, yes! I couldn’t have said it better myself! If I’m feeling a bit sad, Ava does something silly and I instantly feel better. Thank you for sharing your daughter’s efforts. She sounds like a wonderful person! xo
OMG Jen yoru new puppy is THE CUTEST!!!!!!!!! Your home is looking so gorgeous too! Love that you have a new addition to your family!!
Thank you so much Marci! We love having another sweet golden retriever around! xo
I am so sorry for your loss, I know how it hurts to lose a fury family member and wish you lots of happy memories of those two beautiful pups. Your new addition is precious, and especially a big thank you for saving a rescue animal. I am glad she is has a good home now and all the love she needs!
Jae, thank you! Losing a pet is always painful. We are grateful for all of the time we’ve had with our sweet pets and are loving our new rescue girl. Thank you again for your loving words. xo
The eyes on that puppy!!!!!! Oh my gosh, she is an absolute doll! And your older dog is beautiful as well! They will never realize just how lucky they are!
Thanks Harriet! We love them so much! Puppy eyes are the best!!!
These are the most precious pictures ever! So wonderful that you are an animal lover too! Little Ava is a dream!
Oh Donna, thank you so much! Clearly you have a soft place in your heart for animals! Knowing this makes me smile! xo
Aren’t rescues the best! Congrats on the new family member! We have adopted 2 Goldens from Golden Endings. Although Buddy has crossed the Rainbow Bridge we are still spoiling our 12 year old boy, Baxter, and his sister, Sadie. Sadie was an unexpected find at our local shelter.
Rachel, thank you! We love our sweet rescue pups so much! I love that you rescue them as well!!! xoxo
I’m so sorry for your loss and obvious heartbreak. Little Ava was brought into the perfect family. She is so darling! I love that you share your beautiful home and include the pets as part of your family. All the best to you.
Valerie, thank you so much! Ava is such a doll and we are enjoying her very much. She keeps us on our toes, but it has been a huge blessing. Thanks again!!! xoxo
Jen. Ava is so sweet!! I’m so happy she “found” you and stony and I hope I get to meet her one day!! Love all of your fabulous puppy essentials too?
Thanks sweet friend! I hope you get to meet her too! xoxo
My heart goes out to you about your beloved pets Haley and Max passing away. I never knew how much you could love a sweet dog until we found our Cody Bear. We were going to rescue a Golden because I love them so much, but Mr. Cody, a Lab mix was waiting for us when we went to the Pet Rescue day, He is beyond loved. It gives me hope that there are people like you who can easily buy from a breeder and instead choose to rescue. You can certainly tell Ms. Ava will be such a healing energy after your wonderful life with Haley and Max. Big paws to fill, but it looks like this little girl has a lot of love to give. ❤️?
Oh Donna, I love your story. It is so sweet. I know Cody Bear chose you that day. Thank you for rescuing him!!! Labs and mixed breeds are amazing too! My brothers family rescues labs and lab mixes, and I adore his dogs. Thanks so much for your sweet comment. We are so in love with Ava and yes, she has helped us in our efforts to heal. xoxo
My heart breaks for you knowing that you had to go through those recent losses. I am so happy you found little Ava, though. It sounds like you are working with a wonderful rescue organization. She is precious and looks like she is adjusting well. I know the puppy months are tough but they do go fast and goldens are just the sweetest dogs. We have a 6 year old female and she is the princess of our family. I couldn’t imagine not having a dog now. Enjoy your new family member!
– Shelley
Shelley, thank you so much for your loving comment. Ava has definitely adjusted well, but I must say, having a puppy around has been an adventure for me! It’s a lot of work, but also so wonderful! I love that you have a golden too! Please give her some extra love tonight for me! 🙂
Jennifer
I am a long time follower of your beautiful blog.
So sorry to hear about the pet dog.
The new puppy is absolutely adorable. Her sweet eyes have love written all over them.
It is so so wonderful that your pets are rescue dogs; I wish more people would do that.
Nina
Nina, you are incredibly kind! Pet rescue is one of my greatest passions, so I love knowing that you approve. Thank you for your loving words and for following my blog.
What a gorgeous little fur angel! This is one of those scenarios when it is appropriate to ask, ” Who rescued Whom?”
Definitely appropriate and I’m sure you already know the answer! xoxo Thank you for stopping by!
Super love your dogs♥️Last week we adopted Zeyd a Golden Retriever. Soooo adorable and smart….
This makes my heart so happy! Goldens are such wonderful dogs. Congratulations on your new fur baby!