Our Animal Story
Our farm has been a dwelling for all sorts of animals over the years. We’ve welcomed the loyal companionship of dogs, the independent spirit of cats, the majestic presence of horses, and even the charming personalities of pigs, goats, and chickens. A rabbit once hopped into our hearts, and a mini donkey brought his stubborn, but lovable, personality to our menagerie.
Our relationship with indoor cats began quite unexpectedly when my daughter, Teva, rescued a tiny kitten barely clinging to life. She dropper-fed this fragile ball of fur every few hours, day and night, until it blossomed into a healthy, playful cat. Its survival inspired us to find the ideal indoor feline companions.
Indoor Cats
Our quest for the ideal indoor cats became quite the adventure! We quickly discovered a vital secret: the younger the kitten, the more adaptable they are to indoor life. Those first weaned kittens were amazingly easy to teach to use the litter box and respect boundaries—like staying off countertops (at least when human eyes are watching!).
We opened our home to about half a dozen kittens on a trial basis, looking for the right mix of feline temperament and training adaptability. The breakthrough came when we found two kittens whose contrasting personalities somehow created the perfect balance for our household.
The Purr-fect Indoor Cat
They couldn’t be more different. Henrietta is a chatty, plump socialite who follows us from room to room, sharing her opinions with melodious meows and purrs. Though she craves attention, she fiercely guards her independence and protests dramatically if you try to pick her up.
Her sister, Mia, moves through the house like a shadow—quiet, graceful, and observant. She’s selective with her affection but rewards patience with the ultimate prize: curling contentedly in your lap for hours, her gentle purr barely audible but deeply soothing. Together, they’ve mastered the art of indoor cat life, bringing both entertainment and comfort to our home.
The Snowball Incident
Over the years, we have attempted to bring other cats in, but it rarely works out. Last fall, we brought a wild, sickly kitten home from the farm. She finally tamed down. Snowball is short-haired but sheds more than the other two cats. She has made so many messes and been sick that my wood floors have been scrubbed bare. After six messes in a day, I finally decided to put her back outside, which was the plan all along. She just helped me make the decision more quickly. She had no self-control and would keep eating when she didn’t need to.
An Indoor Dog
My children, Joey and Teva, have wanted an indoor dog. I have thought about it off and on ever since my vacation last October on South Padre Island beach. There was a teacup Shih Tzu puppy running on the beach, and he was so cute. My sister has a Shih Tzu, and I really enjoy her, but she is about 20 pounds—much too heavy for me to lift. I would like something smaller, about the size of our cats. My sister and I even looked online a few months ago. The cost for a puppy in our area is rather high.
Finding Daisy
For the past three weeks, I have looked at puppies off and on. I kept seeing this cute little Shih Tzu. Even though her sister was almost identical, she didn’t grab my heart like Daisy did. I really liked Daisy with her dark brown patches. However, she was three hours away. There was another little dog, Teeny, that was only two hours away, and the owners would drive an hour. She was pretty cute, too.
Initial Contact
So, I contacted Teeny’s owner via email, and she sent me pictures. Unfortunately, the pictures were for another dog that I was not impressed with. Next, I decided to contact Daisy’s owner (who lives three hours away). She was the runt of the litter and likely to be a very small shih tzu, which is exactly what I wanted. As it happened, the lady had family coming to town in two days. I was ecstatic and began making arrangements for a pick up place and get to the store for doggy supplies.
Confusion
Daisy’s owner mentioned making a deposit. I asked for clarity because I was paying cash, but my question fell through the cracks, and the deposit never happened. I didn’t understand why I needed a deposit. The bill of sale was drawn up. However, that night, Daisy’s owner told me that the puppy had been sold online through a national company because she was unable to remove Daisy from the listing without my deposit.
Disappointment
I had lost our puppy! I was devastated. I felt this was the puppy for us. I believed I was following God’s leading in all of this. As a Christian, I believe that God works directly in our lives to ultimately bring glory to Himself, even in the small details like finding the right family pet. I don’t believe in “luck” or “chance”—when things don’t work out as I have planned, I look for God’s purpose in the situation. Living as a homesteader and country girl has taught me patience and trust in God’s timing, especially when it comes to animals. I loved Daisy.
Though I had been completely overwhelmed at the thought of picking her up in one day because I had no kennel or puppy gear, and I had not yet had opportunity to share the news with my husband, I had been certain she was the one for our family.
Options
When I told the children the next morning, they were very disappointed and wanted to look back at Teeny now that the correct pictures had been sent. I felt I should not just rush into something else but wait.
A day later, the mother-in-law who was going to bring Daisy to town, reached out to me. She told me that she raises Teddy Bear puppies—an adorable mix of Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu. These puppies would be available in March, and pictures would be taken in about 10 days. While I thought this might be an option, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. Daisy’s owner also sent pictures of other puppies she had available, but none of them were quite right. I was in love with Daisy.
A Second Chance
Then, four days later, quite unexpectedly, I received a text informing me that Daisy was on hold. The buyer who had initially placed a deposit failed to verify their ID. If the ID was not confirmed by 7 p.m., then Daisy’s tentative sale would be canceled, and she would revert back to the listing and be available. There was a glimmer of hope.
I was excited but tried to temper my excitement because it was still rare—this had only happened once before. Therefore, I refrained from telling the children, knowing it still might not work out.
Good News
Sunday morning, I anxiously checked my messages. There was nothing. Later in the afternoon, she finally sent a text. Daisy was again listed for sale! Without hesitation, I confirmed my interest and immediately placed a deposit to secure her.
Now, we just had to figure out when and how to make the three-hour drive and bring her home. At nine weeks old, she was finishing vaccinations, deworming, and a rabies shot. Therefore, many breeders wait until their puppies are at least 12-weeks old before sell them. In the meantime, we had a lot to do to prepare!
Welcoming Daisy
The anticipation of bringing Daisy home filled our family with excitement. Every member of our household has a role to play in making sure she receives the care, attention, and love she deserves.
Owning a dog is a responsibility that goes beyond cuddles and playtime. Puppies require patience, training, and a structured environment to thrive. We knew there would be challenges—accidents, teething, and missing shoes—but the joy of having Daisy would make it all worthwhile.
Preparation
We had planned to meet the mother-in-law on Wednesday an hour away since she had a conference to attend. However, there was a pending snowstorm to arrive the night before so there was a big possibility that our plans would be delayed for a week or two.
Monday, after we purchased her kennel and puppy necessities, we were so eager to get her, that my children quickly volunteered to make the 3-hour drive there and back. They made sure to stop a couple times on the way home. The snow storm hit that night, but Daisy was tucked safe and warm into her new kennel.
Fascinating Trivia About Our Imperial Treasure: The Shih Tzu
Did you know that Shih Tzus were bred to resemble lions? Their name even means “lion dog” in Mandarin! These charming little dogs were originally bred as royal companions for Chinese emperors and were so highly prized that they were rarely seen outside the palace. In fact, for centuries, anyone caught trying to take one out of the imperial court could face severe punishment!
These pampered pups were often given their own silk pillows to lounge on and were even rumored to have their own personal attendants in the imperial palace. Despite their luxurious coats and regal history, Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them excellent family pets today. Their playful personalities, loyal temperament, and signature underbite have ensured that they remain a beloved breed worldwide.
Preparing for an Indoor Puppy
Bringing home a new puppy requires careful preparation, especially when transitioning from a household used to indoor cats. Puppies need structure, training, and a space where they feel safe. Here are some key things we had to consider:
Creating a Safe Space
Before bringing Daisy home, we needed to set up a designated area for her. A comfortable crate was essential for nighttime and when we weren’t home. Puppies need a cozy environment where they feel secure, and crate training helps with housebreaking and preventing destructive behavior.
House Training and Puppy Pads
Unlike cats, who instinctively use litter boxes, puppies need to be taught where to relieve themselves. Consistent training is necessary, and puppy pads or a designated outdoor space are key components of early housebreaking.
Nutrition and Feeding Schedule
Puppies require high-quality nutrition to support their rapid growth. We researched the best food options for a Shih Tzu puppy and planned a feeding schedule to establish a routine.
Veterinary Care
It is important to research vets and find one experienced with small breeds before bringing your puppy home and schedule a wellness visit whenever necessary. Consider preparing questions about parasite prevention, vaccinations, and microchipping. When can your puppy safely meet other dogs?
Socialization and Training
Early socialization is critical for a well-behaved adult dog. We planned to introduce Daisy to different people, sounds, and environments to help her develop confidence. Training sessions would start immediately, focusing on basic commands like sit, stay, and come.
Grooming Needs
Shih Tzus have long, flowing coats that require regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent matting. We stocked up on shampoo and other grooming essentials.
Exercise and Playtime
Even small dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Plan to set aside dedicated playtimes, both indoors and outdoors, to keep your puppy active and engaged.
Seasonal and Environmental Puppy Care
Weather Considerations
- Seasonal Fur Care: Adjust grooming frequency based on shedding cycles
- Surface Adaptation: Introduce various walking surfaces (grass, concrete, carpet) for paw pad development
- Humidity Control: Maintain 40-60% humidity to support respiratory health
- Weather Protection: In extreme heat conditions, may consider using pet-safe sunscreen on exposed skin or paw wax on very sharp, rocky surfaces
Home Safety
- Household Chemical Safety: Switch to pet-safe cleaning products to prevent toxic exposure
- Water Safety: Not all puppies swim naturally – introduce water gradually
- Holiday Hazards: Keep decorations, plants, and seasonal foods (chocolate, xylitol) out of reach
Travel and Emergency Planning
- Travel Acclimation: Practice short trips before longer journeys to reduce anxiety
- Disaster Preparedness: Include puppy needs in emergency plans with portable supplies
The Science Behind the Human-Canine Bond
Scientific reports have repeatedly demonstrated that dogs provide profound psychological and physiological benefits to their owners. The companionship of a puppy is more than just emotional; it can have measurable effects on physical health as well. Studies have shown that interacting with dogs releases oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which helps reduce stress and anxiety while promoting feelings of happiness and bonding.
Owning a puppy also contributes to cardiovascular health. Research from the American Heart Association suggests that pet ownership, especially dogs, is associated with lower blood pressure, decreased cholesterol levels, and reduced risk of heart disease. The daily routine of feeding, walking, and caring for a puppy encourages physical activity, which is beneficial for overall well-being.
Raising Compassionate Children Through Pet Care
Research demonstrates that growing up with a pet has been linked to stronger immune systems in children. Exposure to pet dander and bacteria early in life can help build resistance to allergies and infections. Children who grow up with dogs also tend to develop stronger emotional intelligence, as they learn empathy, patience, and responsibility from an early age.
At a young age, I taught my children how to care for animals. I believe that when children are given responsibilities in taking care of pets like cats and dogs, they develop compassion and empathy. They have taken to this responsibility with loving hearts, and I have seen them grow into kind and caring people. The bond they are forming with Daisy will not only bring them joy but also teach them valuable life lessons about patience, responsibility, and kindness.
Adventures Ahead
So, how do you take care of an indoor puppy? While we have practice caring for animals, this is a new adventure to raise an indoor dog.
Looking back on this entire experience, it’s incredible how a simple idea—bringing home a small dog—turned into a deeply personal and educational experience. Daisy’s arrival marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our family. We have so much to learn, but one thing was certain: this little bundle of fur would bring us immeasurable happiness and companionship.
Finding and welcoming Daisy into our home has been filled with unexpected twists, disappointments, and ultimately, joy. From initially seeing a tiny Shih Tzu on the beach in Texas, through the emotional rollercoaster of nearly losing Daisy to another buyer, to finally bringing her home, every step has reinforced how meaningful this decision has been for our family. She has captured my heart.
Daisy has brought happiness and is teaching us valuable lessons in patience and care. The bond we are forming creates connections that enrich our lives daily. If there’s one thing I hope readers take from our story, it is that happy endings exist. Do not give in to despair. Instead, keep believing for the best. There is a plan though we cannot always see it. Sometimes all we can do is trust, and wait a bit longer.
