Was I not just posting on here a few weeks ago that I am not really a big animal person. Well, we babysat a friend's puppy this weekend. We absolutely loved it! My boys couldn't get enough of her, and I actually really enjoyed having her in our house. I felt horrible because my youngest ds cried when they picked her up yesterday. So, as she was leaving my friend tells me that the breeder has one of her brothers left, and he has actually been to obedience school, and is pretty much house trained and knows some basic commands. The person who was going to take him paid to put him through basic obedience training, but then backed out of taking him. So, am I crazy to even be thinking about this? He is 1/2 poodle and 1/2 schnauzer. He will only get to be about 15 lbs. I talked to the breeder today, and she will hold him for me for a few days. Dh said it is up to me. I know that the novelty of having a dog could wear off with my dks, it did with our hamster. But, I actually really enjoyed having Bella this weekend, and I didn't mind caring for her at all. I guess the only concern that dh has is that it is baseball season and we are busier then normal. So what do you think, am I crazy?

How will owning a dog change things for us? We had a dog when I was growing up, but that isn't the same as having one as an adult. Is there anything I should think about while we are considering this?

By Kaye on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 03:32 pm:

We just inheirited a "snoodle". We love her. Our golden is such a handful, this new dog is so different. It is a great size.

The big kickers, anytime you leave town, you have to have a dog plan, you can board her, you can take her, you can hire someone. They do cost money, 200 dollars in vet bills, they need to be groomed every couple of months, and food.

By Kittycat_26 on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 03:46 pm:

My sister has a "schnoodle" and loves him. He is low dander so it was good for her allergies plus he's just the right size.

Good luck either way

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 07:59 am:

Well, I already have a dog, so we manage to make it work! LOL! I'm not a good person to ask. Your dog would have grooming costs that my dog doesn't have, though. We can just brush Jasmine, every now and then, and that's it. I bet it's cute, though.

By Jackie on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 08:21 am:

To a dog lover like myself, it doesnt sound crazy. BUT...if you are not sure about it, dont do it. Its sad when people get dogs, think its going to be wonderful and end up giving them back or bringing them to a shelter because they were too much work.

By Amecmom on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 08:30 am:

How will a dog change your life? It will be like having a baby again. You'll have to come home at set times to let it out. You will have to feed it, groom it and teach it. I would wonder why a guy paid for training and then did not take the dog. Did the trainer notice something about the dog that was not "right"?
Would the breeder allow you to foster the dog for a few days to see if it's right for you? Then you can see how the dog might fit into your family without having made the committment to keep him.
Also, male dogs can be more aggresive and high-energy than felame dogs, so one of Bella's brothers may not be just like her.
Just a few thoughts. I'm glad you did have such a positive experience with her. I hope you can foster him for a little while and see if he's right for you.
And bravo to you for even taking the dog to babysit after the other post ...
Ame

By Debbie on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 08:45 am:

Ame, the man lost his job, that is why they didn't take him. I am going to see him today.

Jackie, dh and I have been thinking about it a lot. We are definitely looking at it as a life time commitment, that is why we are giving it so much thought.

You know I thought a lot yesterday about why I didn't consider myself a "pet person", especially since I grew up with pets, and loved having them. I think part of it is because we were always moving around, and never settled. I didn't want the added responsibility. Now, that we are somewhere that we are staying, it feels right. Does that make sense? Dh thinks I am also missing the kids being at home(since youngest is in school all day now), maybe that is part of it too......

By Debbie on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 08:46 am:

Also....I am so nervous, kind of like when I had my first baby. Crazy, huh??

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 11:59 am:

It is like having a little kid around the house! LOL! Maybe not a baby, but certainly a toddler. (But yours is a puppy!)