Puppy Love

As of late June, the Harrmanns have a new member of the family.
Lucca, a chihuahua, fell into our lives out of the blue. A friend of ours got a puppy, and upon seeing him, we found out his litter mate was still up for adoption, and even better, a FREE adoption. Roxy hadn't done so well when we tried to adopt a bigger puppy several months ago, but we decided to give it another go.
And I must say, Roxy has done SO well with Lucca! I think maybe she doesn't realize he's a dog, because he's so small. But we've even caught them playing together out in the yard on several occasions. This was shocking to me ... and great to see! The kids love him too, and Lucca is never in need of a lap to sit on or someone to give him smooches.:)


Playing with Roxy, who ... although she looks unwilling here ... actually enjoys the little nipper.


Napping with Nathan, who really likes the little guy.


Napping with me in his favorite spot, curled up under my neck or on my shoulder. He likes to be as close as possible and greets us every morning with numerous licks and nips to the ears and neck.


Gabe sits by his new little buddy after baseball practice one afternoon in June.


We named him after one of our favorite towns in Tuscany, Lucca, which we visited on our 5th wedding anniversary. It was a very quick stop, during which we climbed to the top of a crumbling stone tower, out of which grew a magnificent, HUGE tree. After that, we darted into a cafe to grab an espresso, but then had to literally run through the ancient town to make it back to our bus in time. I suppose there's no reason to tie a dog to these memories, but they were great memories and we liked how the name "Lucca" rolled off the tongue. :)


With his new tiger toy that looks like Mizzou's tiger ... very appropriate! It's so hard to find toys little enough for him!!




There's never a shortage of kisses for Lucca!


Roxy watches with interest on the day we brought Lucca home.








Again, in his favorite spot, behind the neck. Chi's love to burrow, so they love any enclosed space that makes them feel warm and snug.


Rhy has a different idea of "warm and snug" that includes Lucca playing baby in her stroller. I love the look on his face here ... "HELP ME!"


Pretty girl, all dressed up, with her furry baby!