DOG DEFENSE

For my daughter's upcoming birthday, we are getting a puppy from a shelter. We have had difficulty finding a dog that is small and cute enough for her, but family-friendly enough. Yesterday, she fell in love with a Golden/Chow mix, then we learned more about how horrible a Chow's temperament can be, even as a mix breed. They can be more like cats: aloof, independent, anti-cuddly.

So, today we are off to find a puppy that is a better match for our family. My parents and friends are acting like we are crazy. OK, we are. But what's wrong with having two dogs and two kids? My daughter is turning 7 and has wanted a dog of her own for over a year. She is choosing to get this dog instead of having a birthday party. We understand that we will be doing most of the care for the dog, but we hope to teach her some responsibility as well.

We will be purchasing the traning DVDs from the Monk's of New Skete, watching them together, and training the puppy together. The 9-year-old dog we already have, Hannah, could use a few refresher courses as well. She is also a "pound pup" who is a bit neurotic, but as sweet as can be.

We Are Dog People

When we get a dog,
it is for life.
A dog is not a lamp.
You don't replace it
when it is old,
broken, or out of style.

Even if the lamp
eats off the counter
or barks at people
of different races
and any movement
she finds unnatural,
like bikes.

People who abandon
or abuse dogs will
come back as a dog
in their next life.
They will be
at the mercy
of a human being.

~j.b.