This year’s been… a lot.

First, I lost my Rottweiler, Bulleit. He was my buddy, my protector, Mama’s big baby boy. Losing him was gut-wrenching. Anyone who’s had a pet cross the Rainbow Bridge knows the ache it leaves behind. I won’t dwell on it too long — partly because it still stings, and partly because I know Bulleit would give me the side-eye for wallowing.

Then, to add insult to injury, I didn’t get approved for media credentials for the MLB–Little League Classic. That stung, too. I’d been approved the last two years, so I thought I was a shoo-in. Turns out, not so much. But hey — I’ve still been spending plenty of time at the Little League complex, snapping all the photos my camera can handle, so I’m not exactly suffering.

Now for the good news — and the part I teased last week. This weekend, we brought home the newest member of the Noviello family.

Because if a puppy can’t fix all your problems, I don’t know what can.

Meet Scout!

Scout is a nine-week-old chocolate Lab, and we’re over-the-moon excited. He’ll never replace Bulleit, but he’s already helping patch up the hole in our hearts. The photo here is a little old (timeline trickery — print deadlines are wild), but don’t worry. I’ll pay the “puppy tax” with a fresh picture next week.

Steve has already made big plans for Scout: hiking, running, exploring — basically, everything short of sending him to space. Booker, our basset hound, is thrilled about his promotion to “big” brother, even though Scout will likely be twice his size by Christmas.

If you’re thinking about getting a puppy yourself, check out the Puppy Care 101 tips on page 28. Trust me — it’s better to read them before you bring the fluff tornado home.

Meanwhile, the final days of the Little League World Series are here, and I’m soaking it all in. It feels like there have been even more fans this year — maybe because we’ve got a PA team in the mix, but the energy’s been incredible for every game I’ve shot. If you haven’t made it to a game yet, go. It’s not just baseball; it’s magic. (Or as the sociologists call it, “collective effervescence.” I just call it goosebumps.)

How can you not be romantic about baseball?

One more PSA before I go: don’t skip your favorite local restaurants during the Series. Everyone assumes they’re jam-packed, but truth is, a lot of visitors stay and eat on the complex. That means your go-to spot might actually be less crowded than usual. So go get that burger. Or tacos. Or ice cream. (Preferably all three.) Our area depends and thrives on local business, so please don’t let you assumptions get in the way of a good meal. I really hate when anything gets in the way of a good meal.

So that’s my week — puppy training, Little League fun, and bracing for the back-to-school chaos. Stay safe, keep your patience during the last few days of LLWS traffic, and remember: we’ll be back to normal soon enough.