Sometimes Waiting to Get a New Puppy Just Isn’t An Option [PHOTOS]

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:

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

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.

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.

He handled his first bath with us beautifully.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.