I want a puppy! HELP!!!

[I Am Blessed 24]

Thanks Sheila! I had that saved on my old computer, but it didn't make it to the new one. Now I have it again!

We could learn a lot from dogs. I especially like this one:

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

I wish I could afford to pay for a Wire Fox Terrier from a 'rescue shelter'.

Awwwwwwww. Isn't he cute?

 

[Dr. Bob]

Originally posted by Roy:
Are there actually Basque sheepherders near where you live?

You bet, Roy. See their wagons all the time. Oddly lit at Christmas out on wide open prairies.

My sister-in-law wrote a best seller "Living in Wyoming - Settling for More" with some award winner photographer. One of her essays is with a basque sheepherder that is touching.

Seldom see them in town - have no idea where they get their supplies! But LOVE their dogs.

 

[Thankful]

My favorite dog of all times (and I have had lots of them. Always picked up stray dogs and carried them home) is the one we have now....Bichon Frise...He fits your desciption, Sue, but I don't think you can get one from the animal shelter. You might check online, sometimes, people will give them away to a good home. Owners who find it necessary to give one away will want them to have a good home.

Before I got my dog, I did research on the internet. Wish I could remember the site....but I answered a lot of questions and came up with the dogs that were the best suited for me. No. 1 was the Boston Terrier and No. 2 was the Bichon. The Bichon was no. 2 because of the necessary grooming , but he doesn't shed and is the best companion.

Did I tell you he was smart enough to get out of his cage at the doggy motel? He unlocked the catch on the door and made his bed on the recliner in the doctor's office. Then he thought that he was the guard dog...... Guarding the place.


Bichon Link

 

[Dan Todd]

Briefly saw a segment on dogs on Fox and Friends First!

They had a long haired one - who uses his paws to bath itself - just like a CAT!

If you're going to be like a CAT - you might as well be a CAT!

Dan - My Cats love me - and about half of them do not have a staff!

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

I have decided to wait until it gets a little warmer to resume my puppy search.

I can't see house breaking a puppy in this frigid weather (for her OR for me!)

 

[Heretolearn]

I must say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with a purebred dog or cat.Purebreds that are bred by responsible breeders that are working to improve the next generation and pay attention to the breed standard and necessary health issues are key. I would suggest buying a purebred from a person that shows as they are very familiar with how their chosen breed should look at perform.Even if you are just looking for a pet quality dog, not every puppy in every litter is going to make it in the showring. There are very quality animals to be found from reputable breeders. Just do your homework. In order to not put money into the hands of the disgusting puppy mill trade, stay away from anything from a pet store. No matter how sorry you feel for it, you are only encouraging that cycle to continue.I would also steer clear of anything you find in the local paper. Do your homework through www.akc.org Getting a dog from a rescue or a shelter is also very commendable. I have a Saint Bernard from rescue, a Cocker Spaniel from rescue, and a beautiful Saint puppy that was bred by a Nationally known breeder. And she didn't cost a fortune either. Whatever breed your choose, get signed up for puppy obedience classes through your local kennel club as well. You will find that information on AKC's site too. It will help you learn more about your dog and you both will be better for it.

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

Hi HereToLearn and welcome. Why don't you go to the "Welcome Forum" at the top of the main page and introduce yourself so we can all welcome you to the BB properly.

I see nothing wrong with purebreds, I just simply cannot afford one. The same with the rescue missions (I have been checking them out online).

I have had several dogs in my lifetime. I have either gotten them through the paper (free) or adopted them from the local shelter (I paid for neutering, shots, and license).

Papers don't matter to me. I just want a loving companion and, luckily, I have always been able to find just what I needed.

We recently bought another house, after renting for several years, and can have a pet again. So, my search begins.....again.

§ue

 

[Dan Todd]

Why would anyone want an animal that has to be taken outside to use the outhouse six or seven times a day?

Why would anyone want an animal that has to be boarded every time you want to take a trip?

Why would anyone want an animal that would crush you when sitting on your lap?

My advice - get Cats!

 

[Debby in Philly]

Meow!

 

[dianetavegia]

Well put Dan! Cats are better!

Diane

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

I refuse to argue with my friends over their choice of a pet!

I have had cats and I have had dogs. My dogs didn't dig in my house plants and they always came when I called them and stopped doing whatever they were doing when I told them to...

My cats, however, acted like my soul purpose in life was to serve them.

Also, I knew my dogs were glad to see me when I came home. My cats could not have cared less.

I also like to take my dogs for walks and my cats would not walk on a leash!!! I could put my dog's chain on the clothesline so they could get excercise. My cats just laid there in the sun and slept.

I could ride my Schwinn with my dog running along side of me. I had to put the cat in the basket on a pillow!

I DO agree that cats are easier to care for, but for companionship, I will stick with a dog.

§ue (I wanna puppppppppppy!)

 

[Thankful]

I love cats, too, but I didn't get another cat because I didn't want the cat clawing my furniture and I do not like to see them declawed.

But then, my Muffin, when he was a puppy would dig holes in the carpet....just as bad. The last cat I had was a great companion.

You are wise to wait until spring for a puppy, Sue. I got Muffin when he was three months on in the summer time, but he wanted me to go outside with him and when we had a very bad ice and snow storm....he had to learn to go outside by himself. He loves the snow. He looks like a bulldozer going through it. Sometimes I don't think he has enough sense to come in out of the rain. He loves to stand in the rain....Oh, yes, he used to dig in house plants also.

He does sound very cat like which is typical of his bred. He climbs and jumps, but he is so glad to see us when we come home. And when he is happy he buzzes or blitz, runs round and round and makes the funniest buzzing noise.

HeretoLearn, you have given some great advice about dogs. I did get mine from the paper, but it was from a breeder who had wonderful facilities.

 

[Debby in Philly]

My Moses (grey stripped tabby) comes when he's called (ya never know - there might be chicken involved), and runs to meet me when I come in the door. Then he hops up on the chair by the door and rolls over on his back, so I can rub his belly. This is a very big deal in the cat world, to give such a greeting. So it's not impossible!

 

[Dan Todd]

Of the twelve cats we have had - at least four of them were very much a companion.

We have the current six all declawed. The new and improved declawing process is very humane - the Vet excises the claws with a delicate surgical knife - glues each side back together with surgical super glue.

The next day - they ae running around as if they hadn't had surgury!

Our cats are not allowed outside the house!

Dan - not arguing with you Sue - just explaining the way things ought to be!

 

[I Am Blessed 24]

I LIKE CATS!

My cats were all neutered and declawed in the front and were NEVER allowed outside unless I took them for a ride, in the basket, on my bicycle. They were fine for me then, but that is not what I WANT now.

I need to get out and walk. I can do that with a dog on a leash. I also need the type of companionship I can get from a dog.

BTW...Our town has a leash law for dogs AND cats. Does anyone else's?

 

[Dan Todd]

We have a leash law for dogs - not cats. But it doesn't seem to work - I'm all the time cleaning up messes in my lawn that HUGE dogs leave!

Dan - need some teeth in those laws!

PS - will you be walking the dog - or will the dog be walking you?

 

[Thankful]

BTW...Our town has a leash law for dogs AND cats. Does anyone else's?

Yes, our town does, but I have never seen a cat on a leash

 

[Dr. Bob]

Our 15-year old wooden fence had a tree branch come down on it (second time this winter) and took out a four-foot section. My son and I will repair it tomorrow when he's here.

Meanwhile, EVERY CAT in the state has found its way into our yard! I am getting a pump pellet gun and starting target practice.

I can literally hear two of them in a "cat fight" out back right now. Screaching. And when I open the door they stop and just look at me.

Now after a trip to Kmart . . .

 

[dianetavegia]

The MINUTE that tree hit your fence our Dubbs was on the computer sending emails out all over the U.S. telling cats everywhere that a 'Cat Hater' was open to persecution! I TRIED to stop him, Dr. Bob. Really I did! He's just so computer savy....

Diane

Slave to Dubbs who is declawed in the front, neutered and has NEVER been outside. My payment for being his slave??? He climbs on my chest at 6:00 in the morning and headbutts my chin until I give him some love. Dubbs I mean, not Jim.