As a Parent, My Middle Name is “Patience”—Isn’t it?

We just got a new puppy—a gorgeous, apricot, standard poodle. He is only 8 weeks old and quite adorable. The males in the house opted for the name Neo, after the main character in the Matrix. No “Pierre” or “Croissant” for this poodle!

Well, I’m on this topic because Neo has been home for over a week and he refuses to be crate trained. He’s currently sleeping with me and my husband until I get some advice from a good trainer.

I was buying Neo some food today at the pet store and started talking to the employee about the crate. I will pretty much talk to anyone about the crate who will listen. A customer joined the conversation and gave me her two cents. To summarize she said, “You need PATIENCE. Haven’t you ever raised a child? If you would just be patient, he will get use to his crate.”

I was silent. But her comment got me thinking about “patience.” I have patience, don't I?