When my sister Amy calls me, she always asks first about the puppy. I always reply, "She's completely perfect!" And she is. Doris is completely, totally, absolutely, perfectly perfect. Here are a few lessons I've learned in the last few days so I can catch up with Doris' perfection:

1. Doris doesn't have accidents. I do. I accidentally don't take her outside when she clearly tells me it's time to do so. That's not Doris' fault.

2. An empty paper towel roll is easily worth more than a $10 package of chicken-flavored Puppy Nylabones, both in terms of playability and chewability. Also, Doris doesn't like the Nylabones, but she loves an empty paper towel roll.

3. Children who have been dropping potato chips their whole lives long are suddenly realizing why they shouldn't drop potato chips. (Hey, man, competition is everything in a free market society!)

4. If you run from a corgi puppy, she will chase you and try to herd you. OK, that was a lesson I already knew. However, it is MUCH MUCH cuter than I had remembered!!! This sport is far more watchable than football!!!

5. Nothing is cuddlier than a sleeping puppy.

6. Repeat, nothing is cuddlier than a sleeping puppy.

7. Unless, of course, it's a sleeping Doris. Who is super extra cuddly.

8. New puppy and old cat introductions are dicey but necessary. My cat Hector is very good at teaching manners to wayward pups, but I also have to give props to Doris who always approaches Hector in a friendly, submissive way. Good girl!

9. You guys are right. Corgi feet smell like Fritos! ROFL

10. Last lesson I've learned in the last five days -- I really can't properly express how much happiness and good cheer this impossibly adorable dog has brought to my life already. She greets me in the morning as if she was just hoping to see me and my existence has just fulfilled her fondest wish. That's such a pleasant, positive attitude to be around. Merry Christmas to me!