Perrier

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine this family owning a dog. (Of course, I never imagined that we'd be happily living in Africa, either, and yet here we are.) But one day my coworker came into my office and asked, "Do you want a puppy?"

My mind said "No," and my mouth said "Yes, I would love a puppy!" Turns out her friend's dog just had 10 of them, and she was giving them away. 9 had already been spoken for. One left. They were Labrador/Shar-pei mixes; she proceeded to show me pictures. And that was it. I had to have one.

But before I could say yes for sure, I had to convince one person: my animal-averse, allergy-plagued husband. After a day or so of discussion and thought, to my total shock, he agreed. He'd go on allergy meds and we'd give it a try.

Fast forward about 6 weeks, and there I was, walking through the door with one of the cutest, rollie-pollie puppies you've ever seen. She's cuddly, she's energetic, and so much fun to watch when she plays with the kids. She also whines and yelps most of the night, chews on everything, and seems pretty determined to do her business anywhere BUT the nice clean paper I have lined her pen with.

Meet Perrier (aka "Perri"):

She and Alex are already buds

After her first bath

The irony: whose shoes do you think she likes the best?

(yes, Aaron's)

Running after Olivia on the embassy grounds

Cute picture that has nothing to do with the puppy

Tagging along with Natalie

(who was dressed up to have her picture taken)

What a cutie!!