Happy Saturday, friend!
Going to be a short hi this morning because we’re, well, how do I say this? We’re taking Connor to go meet a puppy. Whether or not she’ll be joining our family is still very much up in the air. I’m kind of in this weird state of in-between because we’ve been talking about it for a while, and it’s all been very theoretical, but today it could actually happen.
A little backstory. Connor’s getting a little older, and El Hub and I have talked at length about how now would be the right time for a dog to join our family.
Previous to Tabs, both El Hub and I were solidly dog people. When we first got together, we both envisioned having a dog in our fam-bam, but then we met Tabs who was such a dog-like cat; he changed everything for us.
We both have dog experience so we know what we’re getting into, and we know it’ll be a big life change. Part of me feels like I’m not ready for it, but part of me also knows that I’m never going to feel fully ready, so why not now?
The puppy is a sweet Aussie rescue who’s 8 months old, so she’s a high energy working dog. She’s apparently very smart, too, and we were told that she’d be a good candidate for agility classes and nosework.
We’ve also talked at length with her handlers about how to do a slow intro with Rosie, who, by the way, lived with four big dogs at her previous foster home. We’ve also had dogs over at our current house, and Rosie acts like she’s the boss whenever they’re around.
Did I mention that I really don’t know how this is going to play out?
Honestly, right now I’m leaning towards no because as a working mom, I feel like I’m always doing something for someone else and having another animal up in the mix to take care of would just be more work for me.
We’ve had lengthy family conversations about me not taking on more, though, and how if we added a dog to our family, El Hub and Connor would take point. We’ll see.
Anyway, El Hub and I met her yesterday, and the next step is to have Connor meet her today.
I’ll let you know what happens!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Well, she’s a beauty! They definitely do need a lot of walking though.
She looks so sweet and kind in that photo – I’ll almost bet tomorrow we hear she is part of your fam bam!!!
What a beautiful face! Maybe she can be trained to be a therapy dog. Something to think about. Rosie will share her home and rule!
That’s a very pretty dog. Fun fact – Australian Shepherds are not Australian. For some reason the AKC allowed that name (I guess because it has been in use for so long), but they really should be called American Shepherds. I’ve thought about getting the mini version, but I think it would be too active for me. My Sheltie was just right – smart, obedient, not too active, and definitely NOT destructive. I still miss him every day, and he’s been gone for 25 years! It’s hard to get a purebred puppy from any source today, and starting with a puppy usually works out better, as the puppy bonds to its owner more easily, and doesn’t have entrenched bad behaviors, as many older dogs do. My only word of caution would be that since you don’t have a suburban backyard, the dog might destroy your furniture when it’s cooped up in your residence. Some breeds tolerate house living a lot better than others.
You have a lot of positives going on here, so that’s good.
Dogs pull at heartstrings, absolutely yes, but they also pull at my “I’m going crazy strings” and I regret every day that I said yes to TWO, yes two dogs. I should have held firm that I’m not a dog person. Being the wife & mother means so much of their care lands on me.
Now I realize my experience/feelings are very personal and different from those people who take in a dog without any regrets…. Those people are plentiful, I see you dog people.
My family adore the dogs!!!!! but love doesn’t take care of the poops, I “do-do” that.
As a working mom with two elementary age kiddos and two extra large labradoodles…life will be crazy🤪…but totally worth it😊. My dogs make me spend time outside…even when I don’t want too (which is good for me). And the kids love them so much. They are a huge part of our family. It’s hard sometimes (mainly because we have two dogs and they are big)…but I wouldn’t change it.
She’s beautiful! I have an almost eight month old mini Aussie, and she’s a joy! She is VERY high energy, and very smart and sweet. Taking her tomorrow to get spayed, and am a little anxious about how we’ll get along with the cone for a while, lol. Penny gets along fine with my cats, and she knows her place as they are bigger than she is, and will get smacked in the face if she messes with them too much. She does like to play with the smaller one, though, and they have a great time zooming through the house and wrestling with each other. Just remember to give her plenty of exercise, and she’ll be a great addition to the family!