ready or not. 2.

We pick up our Great Dane puppy in literally less than 48 hours. Thats less than 172, 800 seconds (if we really want to get technical).

I thought we were ready until today, when I realized we had yet to purchase dog food. Dog food: probably the most important supply to buy; the nutrients that will sustain this new animal. Since deciding we were going to get a Great Dane, I've spent every day researching and comparing the best Great Dane diets and food options. I've joined a myriad of Great Dane dog groups on social media platforms to educate myself on what we're about to dive into. Yet in less than two days we will have this four-legged pup in our home and we almost didn't have any food for it. Can a dog even live off treats?

ANYWAY....after work we ran to our nearest Tractor Supply to buy the grain-free food I have finally settled on.

Our little pup's room! Yes she has her own room. Not sure how long that play pen area will last for before she learns how to push it out the way or simply jump over it. And before we know it we'll be buying a bigger crate to fit her. But for now I think her setup will work. For now.

We officially have dog food and NOW I think we are ready! I'm excited to welcome our beautiful, soon-to-be fur baby but also super concerned about everything that can go wrong....like gastric torsion, which is a common stomach problem with Great Danes who are too active after eating resulting in their stomachs twisting and cutting off circulation, or Parvo virus, or hip dysplasia. Have you ever heard of "happy tails"? It's a medical condition for dogs (especially in breeds such as Great Danes, Greyhounds, and Pit Bulls) who have long, strong and poorly cushioned tail tips causing them to be prone to injury. The list goes on. I've read it all. Anything can happen. I'm the type that always thinks and prepares for the worst, while still hoping for the best.

I've always had a dog growing up as a child and have raised a couple from puppies. But this dog we have on our own. We're fully responsible for it. It's up to us to keep it alive. Is this how parents-to-be feel when they are expecting a new baby? You'll never really be ready even though you think you are.

So here goes nothing.