We talked (several times) about reclaiming Karlee, our Keeshond that we left with my parents when we went to England. That has been decided finally to leave her there, as she's happy and they are happy with her. She's about 9 years old, and after 3 years in one place it'd be a shame to move her.
We wanted to take things slow, getting the chickens established before we got a dog (and the cat established before we got the chicks). That has been done.
The "itch" was growing. Bob started visiting all the local animal shelters, every time we went to town. We took quizzes about what kind of dog would suit us. We talked about rules and training methods. Then it all started to come together.
One recommended breed was a Collie. Both of our grandparents had a Collie at some point. We were used to hair from Karlee. And then we found a pair of 3 month old Collies at the Fayetteville shelter. We asked to see them, but while we were waiting the other worker there informed us that someone had already applied for both of them. We started to feel frustrated, but she said people change their minds a lot and we should put in a back-up application. We did, but they didn't. No Collie.
But. While we waited to find out about the Collie, we visited the Springdale shelter. There we saw the sweetest 10 week old "Shepherd mix." We went out and bought a collar, bowls, food, and treats. When we found out about the Collie, we went back to Springdale and picked up the Shepherd. We named him Sergeant. He is a good little boy who needs to acclimate to life outside his A/Ced metal cage. He didn't mind riding in the car, and no one else minded when we took him shopping with us. If you're cute, rules don't apply.
Oh, a funny. While we were driving, we brainstormed for a name. All the children called out various suggestions : Captain! Midnight! Brownie! Duke! and Elijah wanted to join in. So he started calling out "Da! Da!" But we all ignored him as we thought of better names. Finally he let out a very loud and long "DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!" I answered him, "Thank you, Elijah; we'll keep that in mind." And he was quiet after that, just as if he knew exactly what was going on.
4 comments:
He looks like a very sweet dog; wishing you the best for your life with him. Cute story about Elijah -- makes me smile. mums
Great! Marline and I both want a dog, but neither of us could bear to have a dog on such a small lot as ours.
(We don't believe in tiny dogs, and a big dog would just get cabin fever here, I think...)
WIl, would you keep a dog inside? We've decided not to, for the sake of cleanliness, but I've heard some big dogs are very calm inside with just a good walk each day.
But I agree with your principles. That's why we didn't get a dog in Iceland, or take Karlee to England; it just wouldn't be fair to the dog.
To Wil,
Forget the cabin fever; you wouldn't have any grass at all if you had a dog of any size. The dog would wear down to dirt and mud your small yard. Having a dog in the house works for some but dealing with the grass, the dog hair and the dirt in the house are not for me. I bring enough of it in myself. Even a no-shed breed leaves hair around. jcr
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