We had the most awesome dog in the world up until a couple of years ago. We had to put down our sweet dog Auggie two weeks before Christmas. It was heart wrenching. He was 20 years old. He was my absolute life before we had kids.
After Auggie passed, many people asked if we would get another dog. At the time there was no way I could fathom opening my heart to another animal. So we put it off. My kids, on the other hand, did not spend 20 years with him and form the same kind of attachment. They started asking for another dog soon after.
The other night we went to a BBQ joint with some friends. It's was a quaint little restaurant behind an old farmhouse on several acres of land. There were two old labs frolicking lying lifeless in the grass when we pulled up. The boys played with them a few seconds before we doused them in hand sanitizer walked in. After we finished eating, the adults sat and talked while the kids went outside to run around.
I sat and watched my boys running around with those sweet old dogs. (They miraculously came to life when my boys doused in BBQ cologne walked outside.) It was the sweetest thing ever. Boys and dogs. It doesn't get a whole lot more Norman Rockwell than that.
After watching them I feel like I need to put my grief aside and attempt to open up my heart....for my boys sake. I'm sure Auggie would not want them to go through life without that experience of loving a dog as they grow up. So I started looking online for adoptable dogs. Auggie was a rescue mutt and made me a big fan of shelter dogs.
After looking through hundreds of pictures of dogs, I realized I have some specific requests...
- I need a dog smaller than 100 lbs. I have two growing boys who are destined to be large teenagers. (Their daddy played offensive tackle in college.) I don't need a dog who will eat more than them.
- I want a dog that does not shed. (Self explanatory.)
- I would prefer a dog who does not bark all night long. (I like being a good neighbor.)
- Speaking of being a good neighbor, I would like one who does not root around in my neighbors garbage cans on trash day.
- Do they make self cleaning dogs?
OH NO!!! I think what I really want is a CAT! Did I mention I hate don't prefer cats?
They don't fetch. They decide when they do or don't want to be loved on. Their litter boxes stink to high heavens. They are moody and vindictive. I've never been a fan of cats...except for our cat Miss Kitty when I was a little girl. But I think she was trans-specied. She felt like a dog on the inside. Poor thing. We probably should have sent her to therapy instead of making her eat cat food and play with cat toys.
What should I do? I am open to suggestions. My boys are waiting....
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18 comments:
Oh well, you already know I am going to tell you right now to run out to the pound and find you a good old mutt.
I love animals and as soon as I blackmail---I mean get my man on board, I am replacing our 17 year old cat that we lost a few weeks ago.
A boy needs a dog. Good momma!!
Get 'em a doggy!!! Good job on opening your heart back up, Momma! (I'm not very doggy-literate, so I have no good suggestions on which one to get - I'm so helpful, I know!)
You need a dachshund! Seriously. You have to have time to train them though, no matter what kind of dog you get, but if you get it since they're a puppy, that shouldn't be an issue.
We crate trained Rusty and never had any problems/accidents in the house. Now he's allowed free roam of the living room and kitchen while we're gone!
eww I'm not a fan of cats either! I'd say go with a puppy! they are so loving and I'm sure it will make your kids SO happy!
I have a maltese and a havanese. They don't shed. the havanese hardly ever smells. they don't go rooting around in garbage cans. They DO bark, but you have to train them not to. I use an empty soda can with several pennies in it. Whenever they bark, I shake that thing at them. They hate the noise. It seems to work. Both dogs do need grooming, but they give you TONS of love.
You could research breeds. When you decided on a few, then you look for local breed rescues. For example Lab Rescue (not your idea dog if you don't want shedding). There are many breed specific rescue that are more than happy to place a dog with the right family. They will help you find a dog that is the right fit for your house.
Puppies...so cute. So nice.
How can you say no.
You can't.
We will be seeing puppy pictures within the month.
I love our boxer, she's hyper though. But a medium sized dog, about 50 lbs. She's so pretty and such a dummy.
Dogs!! This is so my thing! I am so all over this, ala Mama Kat!!!
Sadly, I put "the land of cotton and moonpies" into petfinder and could not find any search results... I tried. Really I did.
I grew up with cats only, except for a brief stint with a dog we had to give away. I always said I'd get my own dog as an adult. But, not growing up with a dog, I never got used to the smell and needs of a dog so I never got around to it. Get your boys a dog now so they will always want to have one!!!!
Go to your local humane society/shelter and tell them what you're looking for. They'll be able to match you with a dog that they have that fits (as close as they can get) to what you're looking for. Also, they might be able to call other shelters in your area.
we have a rescue airedale and he is so damn cute. and? he's so damn dumb he's smart.
plus? he doesn't shed...
Schnauzers: they don't shed, are smart, and come in different sizes! Have you seen a Giant Schnauzer?
Me and cats do NOT get along! My mom's cat attacked me as a kid. Don't ask her. She'll lie and tell you it was my fault!
I say get them a dog. I am a huge fan of shelter dogs. That's where my mom got hers. He was 2 and already house trained. Corgy/Collie - the sweetest and quietest dog ever, but sheds like you wouldn't believe.
In other words, that's probably not a good choice in breed! :)
A new pet can never replace the loss of an old one, but you can still love the new one just as much.
I actually JUST got a puppy, she's a husky mix, but has a really light coat (takes after her dad who was a jack Russel) she's supposed to be about 50 lbs total! If you were near I'd say take one of her brothers or her sister lol
Make sure you get a smart dog. I have 2 who are dumber than rocks and it is very annoying! And they shed which also sucks.
My daughter has been bugging me for a dog for awhile now. Watching her play with other dogs, it really warms my heart. Granted she's 3 and I also have a 1 year old, I told them they could have a dog once they start wiping their own butts. I don't need to be picking up or wiping poop from a 3rd a**
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