Oprah and puppy

 
When Oprah and Stedman decided it was time for some new additions to their canine clan, their journey began in Tehachapi, California, deep in the Mojave Desert, where dozens of golden retriever puppies awaited new homes.

"Stedman and I had a deal," Oprah says. "We'd choose one puppy apiece. But secretly I know this is not gonna be easy."

In less than 10 minutes, Oprah had a bad case of puppy love. Stedman immediately bonded with a husky boy pup, and Oprah fell for a precious baby girl. "She's little. She's docile. She's sweet. She's tiny," Oprah says. "I'm just wondering, though, if Sophie's going to try to eat her."

Then, Oprah spotted another pup that she couldn't resist—in spite of a slight imperfection. "We almost passed this cutie pie over, but she grabbed a hold of my heart and wouldn't let go," Oprah says. "I don't like eliminating her just because she has a little underbite. What is that, discrimination? The underbite is cute!"

So on to Plan B...why not three puppies instead of two? It took some serious puppy eyes to convince Stedman, but in the end they left with three new additions—Luke, Layla and Gracie!
Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer

 
Oprah has admitted in the past that her beloved cocker spaniel Sophie has some...issues. Especially with other dogs. So Oprah called on the help of Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer, to mediate Sophie and Solomon's first meeting with Luke, Layla and Gracie.

"I have to say, I'm a little anxious about Sophie meeting the pups," Oprah says. "I want all my children to just get along."

To ease Sophie into the role of big sister, Cesar takes more of a "backwards approach."

"Cesar says the dogs shouldn't meet face to face because that's too threatening," Oprah says. "Instead, he introduces Sophie to Luke's backside, where his scent is strongest."
Cesar Millan, Oprah and Stedman

 
After 10 years of not being social, Sophie has some adjusting to do, but for now they are all one big happy family!

"Look—everybody's getting along!" Oprah says "This is what Rodney King asked for."

Stedman: Can't we just get along?

Oprah: Black and white and brown together!
Layla, Luke and Gracie

 
Like all new moms know, sleep is a luxury. Oprah learns quickly that wrangling three rambunctious retrievers is no easy task.

"The first few weeks with our new little ones weren't so easy," Oprah says. "I so now understand what all you new moms go through—and I am in no way trying to compare puppies to babies. But I'm so sleep deprived."

Throughout the night, the puppies must go for potty breaks every two to four hours.

"I had all five dogs in the room and the three different crates, and they all pooped at different times," Oprah says. "I obviously needed help because I was having a lot of trouble...I've always said that mothering is the hardest job on earth. Even with puppies."
Oprah and Tamar Gellar

 
When Oprah needs help with her pups, she calls in dog expert Tamar Gellar! Tamar, who makes frequent appearances on Animal Planet and The Today Show, has been working with Luke, Layla and Gracie to develop a system and some good manners!

"Thank you so much for coming in and saving me!" Oprah tells Tamar.

What Tamar Geller taught Oprah about dog-training