My new life really started here in Novi Sad, in my mommy’s apartment. Yes, Lea is my mom, and her apartment was now mine as well. She was working from home, so we were together all day, every day. We would wake up in the morning and she would kiss me and hug me, keep saying how much she loves me, and then I would get my breakfast and fresh water. She spent the next three months teaching me how to do potty on baby diapers inside the apartment.
I had trouble adjusting at first, so she bought some kind of puppy training spray. She would put a little on the diaper, and when I smelled it, I knew where to do my business. There were times when I would do potty in the wrong spot, just because I was a confused little puppy and didn’t know any better yet. But my mommy was always super nice and never got angry or upset. From the moment I entered her life, she stepped into a very serious MOM role and became extremely overprotective of me.
I remember she had a lot of friends, and they kept asking her to go out and party with them. Her answer was always the same: “I have a baby puppy and I am not leaving him alone, ever.” Anyone who wished to see her could come over, but only for a short time so they wouldn’t disturb the dog. Everyone had to be healthy and clean. Shoes off when you enter. If you want to pet the dog, wash your hands first. Do not be loud, do not smoke around the dog—better yet, smoke outside on the balcony or don’t smoke at all. There were many times when Lea just wanted to be with me. She would ditch all of her friends and say, “I’m going to be with my best friend and my son Ozzy. I don’t need a bunch of people disturbing my dog’s peace.” Maybe this sounds a bit harsh, but like I said, this girl would do anything for me.
Eventually, I got used to our apartment, my mommy, where to do potty, and when it was time for food. I met a lot of people, but only when Lea decided it was the right time. I was introduced to my grandma and grandpa, and let me tell you… those people love me so much. I can’t even explain how much. Whenever they came over to see me, the air was filled with love and joy. I received a lot of treats, clothes, and toys, but over time I discovered that I loved slippers the most. I really enjoyed chewing them, and a couple of days later they would buy new ones. Oh, heaven!
Since I had all my protection shots from the vet when I was still just a newborn, the time came to visit the vet here in Novi Sad. They needed to register me, do a little check-up, and give me the anti-rabies shot. That was the first time I had to go somewhere far from the apartment, and we had to go by car. I never really liked car rides because they made me a bit sick, but it was our only option. My mom took such good care of me. It was January and very cold, so I wore my new warm jacket. She held me the entire time, making sure I was okay and warm enough, and she even played gentle music so I would feel safe. The vet said I was a healthy, strong boy, gave me the shot, and placed a microchip as well—so if I ever got lost, my mom could always find me. Not to worry though, my mom is so careful that she never lost me, not even when I was playing with her in the field without my harness.
After that trip to the vet and back, I was granted permission to start going on walkies every day. Oh, how wonderful that sounded. My mom was just as happy. That meant I would start learning to do potty outside, and the diapers became plan B at home—just in case. It took some time again, but I learned.
We finally had a routine, the one that really stuck. I was so happy, and even happier when I noticed how excited my mom was every time we went outside. She let me run, play, and roll on the ground. She let me do whatever I wanted, but she was also very cautious and protective. She watched closely so I wouldn’t get hurt or sick, or attacked by stray dogs or simply dogs that were much bigger than me. And as mommy always said, I was a good boy.
I remember that at one point my mom found a boyfriend. She fell in love with someone who also fell deeply in love with her, and they started seeing each other. At first, it was just a day or two during the week, but then sometimes he would sleep over, and I was a bit intimidated. Later, I got used to him. The most important thing my mom ever said was this: “If my boyfriend doesn’t like or love my puppy, he can go away and never come back. Ozzy is my number one priority, and no one and nothing will ever change that.”
And it was—and still is—like that. She kept her promise. She loves me more with each passing day, and I love her so much. Our life together is perfect. Stay tuned for more stories and fun times. It only keeps getting better and better, believe me. Thank you, good people, for your attention. Chat more soon, byeee!
