Update, on the whole puppy thing.

[SincereArtisan]

The only thing keeping me from putting money down on this puppy, is my schedule in the next several months. I've plans to go places, festivals, events and the like, that last 5-7 days at a time. And while these festivals only occur only about once every month, and most of them are perfectly dog-friendly, and I know from the experience of raising Pi that it is entirely possible to attend these and take along a puppy... I am also familiar with the strain that carting a puppy to these events can cause. My schedule there is restricted, I'm very distracted by the demands of a puppy, and training a young puppy on things such as not to jump up, don't nip, no tugging, etc...is a *lot* harder when you've got a dozen people scrambling around her to pet her without giving a lick about such manners because it isn't *their* dog that they're trying to teach good lessons to. LoL.

 

Now, I'm certainly *not* saying that I wouldn't be willing to go through all this again. I did it all with Pi...and I might add that though it did considerable damage to her manners in most respects, it was *worth* having her there with me, and going through all the trouble so I wouldn't have to board her or leave her with some doting family member. I loved my dogs, and one thing I loved about them most was that they did go everywhere with me. (Gives me plenty of opportunity to *brag*! ) So if I do decide on little Might, everything in my power will be done to ensure she gets just the sort of home, love, and training she needs.

 

But I am saying, that having been through it once before, I'm thinking twice before going through it again. I'm not trying to be selfish, and I'm afraid that it looks that way with me blathering on about my schedule being disrupted and all that. But I really did *love* raising my puppy Pi. Every nussiance, every trouble, every accident and every annoyance was worth every inch of her. And raising/training a puppy I find to be so VERY rewarding. But I am considering all factors, and coming to realize that this year, like last year, may not be the optimal time to get a puppy. (I just didn't really listen to myself last year! )..and wound up with my beloved Pi, in a studio apartment in downtown Louisville, in the midst of school and work...and though I *made* it work, and made considerable life chnages in order to do so (practicly living at the park, midnight walks and playtimes across campus, a big move, and another rescue later...), looking back I know that my decision to get her was a lot more impulsive than planned out. And I'd rather not make that same mistake twice...for the dog's sake, moreso than my own.

 

Yesterday I recieved an Email from a woman who has a dog that she'd like to find a new home for. Because she contacted me privately, I'm reluctant to add any details, but I will say the dog sounds wonderful, and may be just what I am looking for. We're talking more on the subject, I'm getting to know just about everything I can about her before I seriously consider taking her.

 

As for sweet Maybe, the reason why I haven't moved on him yet lies with his dear current family. The very night after they talked to me about worrying over their time to devote to him and their two pups, and I made that post...they called me up again. That night sweet Maybe inched his way up onto the couch to cuddle with them for the first time *ever.* They said it was like he knew exactly what they were considering doing...and he didn't want to go. So they got together, and after rearranging their lives some (altering work schedules, and such.) They're going to make a strong effort to keep him in their lives, and give him just as much one on one time with them as possible, and have enough one on one time with the pups for training and such. They really love him, and their girls (the puppies) crawl all over him and play with him and adore him so much that they don't know what they'd do without him.

 

So they're trying very hard to make things work...they asked me to please just hold off on letting anyone really, really interested in him--such as myself--take steps towards adopting him until they gave this a good try.

 

So, we'll see.

[Root Beer]

That's a tough decision. I'd definitely be torn under those circumstances.

 

I'm glad to hear that things might work out for Maybe in his current home!

[Kat's Dogs]

One thing, even though it might be harder to train a pup with all sorts of people playing with her, it is a great time for the pup to meet LOADS of people! I found that you just have to set some rules down (for people that want to pet the pup). Before they get to close, you tell them what they can/can't do around her. Most people actually seem fine to do what you say. And I think that we all must admit, the more people a dog meets, the better.

 

It is a hard call, and it is really up to you and what you think that you can handle. Personally (judging by what you said in your post) I would go for it - but that is just me. It will be harder to train a pup, but the pup would be fine with people!

 

BTW, I am glad that Maybe is doing better! Hope it works out for him.

[SincereArtisan]

Yeah, it would be a *great* opportunity for my puppy to meet all sorts of people. I'm also fortunate enough to be allowed to take my dog to work with me...so the amount of people exposure and the exposure to new situations that I can provide is just great for a new puppy, should I decide to get one.

 

Like I said, we'll see. I have a whole week to make up my mind...

[Dal & Mad's Mom]

I'm glad to hear they are trying to work it out with the red split face. I sent his pics link to a few people I know one had lost a dog recently. He's better off not being passed from place to place though.

 

As for making the right decision I know that you will do what is best for you and in your life right now.

 

My mom gets to take her dogs (1 at a time) to work too they love it.

[bcnewe2]

Hey Sarah

You are welcome to talk about what we have discussed. I take full responsibility for any choices I make. I'm sure I can handle any questions on my dogs. The pup we're discussing is NOT a rescue and I don't feel bad about her in anyway. For me, it's about my responsibility to find her a perfect home if that's not with me. I have rescues now, and have rescued/fostered quite a few BC's in the past. If I didn't need/want top working dogs then I would probably only rescue. But that is my personal choice.

If I can help someone learn something from my own lessons, then that is a good thing. Your "oh my goodness" thread was to me, you doing your homework.

Reading this post makes me even more happy that we have chatted. What a life you have to share with a speical dog! Who ever that dog turns out to be! Might, Maybe, or PoeDee, I'm sure you'll choose wisely.

 

A side note.. Might is my working partner's nick name. When he was little it was short for mighty mite(the runt of the litter and really tiny), then it was he "Might" work sheep or he "Might" not(he was slow to turn on)...now's it's "Might" as in "Mighty" Mick the sheep working fool!

Hope to see you soon

Kristen

[kelpiegirl]

I was really glad to read this It illustrates what a GOOD dog owner you are. If we are good owners, we think think think and THINK again, if this is right; we don't jump right in. With each of my dogs I did JUST this. And, in the end, I had to make my decision. I have decided against dogs too- not because I didn't want the dog, but because after thinking it all out, it wasn't going to work.

So, I applaud you, and I support any decision you make.

Julie