After we lost our beloved Casey three weeks ago, I thought it would be several months before we got a new dog. The summertime is so busy. Then we saw his picture.

Last Monday, two weeks to the day after Casey's passing, Julie and I planned a trip to visit a 10-week-old puppy. Last Tuesday night, we hit the road and were lucky enough not to just meet a cute little guy with a terrific personality. We also got to say hello to his mom and dad. Dad's name is Fordy:

Julie James
Julie James
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While dad was separated from the girls for obvious reasons, I got to love on the little guy's mom, Babs:

Julie James
Julie James
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Now, that you've met mom and dad, here's our new little guy. He's Casey's nephew. Maybe that's why he reminds me so much of him. As you saw from the collar and tag above, we named him Carter. This is the first picture we took before heading home Tuesday night, July 26. The remaining pink on his nose is slowly turning to black.

Julie James
Julie James
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Carter's had quite a last week. Here he is meeting our three cats when we got home.  Cole, Charlie, and Chance (in front) were very interested in this new creature, but they're all still a little concerned about his quickness. As a result, they tend to keep their distance.

Julie James
Julie James
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He handled his first bath with us beautifully.

Julie James
Julie James
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I took some time off last week to help him adjust and found that he absolutely loves a stress ball. Soft on those baby teeth and easy for him to carry around. He's just taking a break here.

Bob James
Bob James
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Chance likes to make sure Carter eats all of his food. Who am I kidding? He hopes he forgets a piece. Carter weighed 7.5 pounds two days ago. Needless to say, Chance weighs more.

Julie James
Julie James
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We never dreamt his first walk would go as well as it did. He went all the way around the park and the only times he stopped and pulled were to see what was causing the loud noise at a nearby ball game.

Julie James
Julie James
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He's also quite a bit like me. He tolerates shopping.

Julie James
Julie James
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I'd do this too if I could. Yes, he's out.

Julie James
Julie James
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In addition to meeting members of our family over the weekend, his other big adventure was in a new bicycle pet trailer. It took him about a half-mile to enjoy the ride.

Julie James
Julie James
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Julie James
Julie James
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Of course that wore him out, as well. He decided to use his favorite toy, an oinking pig, as a pillow.

Julie James
Julie James
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I love this pose that he strikes occasionally when playing in the house. I like to call it his Sheltie Skin Rug look.

Julie James
Julie James
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Here are the latest of the thousands of photos we'll take of Carter during his lifetime. They were taken last night at Palisades-Kepler State Park.

Julie James
Julie James
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We've been reminded over the last week that puppies are a lot of work. We wouldn't have it any other way. Just as I did with Casey, I make sure I tell this little guy how much I love him. Every. Single. Day.

Julie James
Julie James
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KEEP LOOKING: See What 50 of America's Most 'Pupular' Dog Breeds Look Like as Puppies

RANKED: Here Are the 63 Smartest Dog Breeds

Does your loyal pup's breed make the list? Read on to see if you'll be bragging to the neighbors about your dog's intellectual prowess the next time you take your fur baby out for a walk. Don't worry: Even if your dog's breed doesn't land on the list, that doesn't mean he's not a good boy--some traits simply can't be measured.

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