I want a puppy! HELP!!!

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

 

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 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.

 

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!

 

Meow!

 

Well put Dan! Cats are better!

Diane

 

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.

 

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!

 

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!

 

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?

 

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

 

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.