They’d tell us, “Mom, Dad, are you sure you can take care of a puppy? Won’t it be too much for you?” They worried we’d struggle with the work and energy that comes with a new puppy. And, well, we started believing them…until Christmas morning came.

There he was, my 76-year-old husband, standing with a giant grin and a tiny, wiggling puppy in his arms. I couldn’t believe it! I was on cloud nine, but I still had to ask him, “Are you sure we’re up for this?” He just smiled and said, “Of course we are.”

And our kids? Oh, they were furious. They think we’ve taken on more than we can handle. But when I watch this little puppy snuggle up with my husband, I can tell it’s brought us both a renewed sense of joy and purpose.

So here’s the big question: did we do the right thing following our hearts?