I'm getting a dog in 5 days. Because the one thing missing from my life was a greater variety of animal poops to clean up.
At this point all I know is that he'll be a male.
I don't know what colour he'll be OR what I'm going to name him. For someone who makes their living by stringing words together in a clever or entertaining fashion I've found my Achilles heel is with naming pets.
And writing sexy novellas.
My dog is coming from a respected long time breeder who does extensive genetic testing with her litters.
So why a breeder for my dog and not a rescue like all of my cats? Because I wanted a purebred dog, with specific attributes and a known health history.
You may have noticed I haven't told you the breed. Don't worry, I will in my next post when I finally have him here with me but you might be able to tell from the photos. If you're clever like that.
The reason I don't know which dog I'll be getting is because the breeder has a big hand in matching puppies with families because she's the one who has come to know the dog's individual personalities over the past 8 weeks.
Since she has and breeds show dogs, the breeder wants to make sure that the puppy with the most championship show potential will go to someone who is actually going to show the dog.
I will not.
I will not show the dog.
I will not show the dog because I don't have time to add another thing to my life.
I will not show the dog because I don't have time to add another thing to my life even though I bet I'd really like it and it sounds like fuuuuuuuuuun and who doesn't like the Westminster dog show?!
NO. No, no, no.
But maybe competitive agility training would be fun.
No.
But maybe.
So I won't end up with the dog that has the most show potential. Which is fine - I want a puppy with the best *pet* potential. Show potential in puppies is best judged when they're 8 weeks old. The same age they usually are when they go to their homes.
So it takes that long for the breeder to decide which dog to hold back for showing.
Once the breeder has picked out the show puppy at 8 weeks, then she starts assigning puppies to families based on the puppy's personality and the needs and wants of the family.
This litter has white puppies and black puppies.
Both of the colours are nice and when I went to meet them for the first time last weekend they were all beautiful, friendly, rolly polly balls of fluffy fur that I'd be happy to take care of.
It could be him ...
Or possibly him ...
Please enjoy this view of my dirty gardener fingernails.
There are two other hims that it might be as well.
I've never raised a dog before. But I'd never visited a tumbling cyclone of puppies until a week ago either and I did really REALLY well with that so I should be good.
Plus I've watched 10,782,540 hours of YouTube videos on dog training in the past 2 years.
Although I've watched 10,782,541 hours of YouTube videos on how to curl your hair and I still can't do that so ...
I haven't been this joyously excited about something in a very long time. It's kid at Christmas kind of excited.
No name. No idea which dog. But a whole mess of chew toys. That is where I am today.
He'll be home with me and Ernie on Saturday.
I bought calming phermones for my cat Ernie and calming phermones for the puppy. In turn, the puppy and the cat will act as calming phermones for me, plus I have CBD butter for myself if needed.
If all goes well I expect we'll be living happily together without any stress by about year 2.
The official puppy introduction post will come in a week or two.
I expect the perfect name will come to me about 6 months after I've already named him.
Whitney
Congrats! There’s nothing quite like having your own pup (as I have two pugs currently hogging all of my king sized bed as I type this). I am really excited for you. The companionship is so wonderful.
Laura
This news breaks my heart. Over 600,000 dogs are euthanized in the United States each year because there aren't enough homes for them. Approximately 10-25% of dogs in shelters are purebred, and many breed-specific rescue groups also exist. I've spent years volunteering at shelters and we regularly got in puppies from "repudable breeders" because the puppies didn't have some kind of AKC breed standard trait or just couldn't be sold before they grew up and were no longer desirable. Please adopt, don't shop. Purebreds are far more likely to have health issues so if health is a concern, a mixed breed is a far better bet. Rescues always vet their animals for health issues, temperament, and personality. There is simply no reason to ever buy from a breeder.
Sarah
I am sorry it breaks your heart, but people have a right to their choices. Karen is going to a responsible breeder. The choice is hers. I am delighted that she is getting a dog. It would be a better world if all animals and people could treat each other with kindness at least. I have had mutts and pure breeds and rescued a dog or two. I prefer a puppy that I can socialize and train. I love German Shepherds and poodles because they have always been devoted to me more so than other breeds and I am devoted to them.
SF
To the previous commenter: You don’t need a purebred dog to be able to socialize and train it. Please don’t spread misinformation.
Karen
Hi SF. That wasn't the point Sarah was making I don't think. She was saying that she preferred a *puppy* that she could socialize and train. ~ karen!
Therese
Well put. I have never bought a purebred from a breeder. However, my family showed purebred dogs when I was a child! I have been able to home rescues almost all of my life, and so I have. To each his own choice, I say.
I might add that both the purebreds and the mutts can have health issues! I have had boxers that have lived to 14/15years (and thousands of dollars in surgeries, lol) and a pit bull cross mutt that had to be euthanized at 9. You just never know.
Best of luck to Karen!! I think dogs are THE BEST EVER!!!
Karen
Thanks Therese! ~ karen
Leslie
I agree with Sarah and I have also come to resent every person who automatically announces she has a 'rescue' dog. Most of the time, this simply means they adopted a dog that was in no danger of being put down.
Like other people, I have owned both mutts and legitimate 'rescues' (one puppy was dumped at a cousin's farm on Easter. I knew immediately it was a calm Lab-type and was one of my favorite dogs ever. )
I have had many dogs adopted from shelters and one found in the woods. I have also bought dogs from breeders -- when my kids were small I knew I wanted labs that were steady around kids .
Now, I have my first papillon - i needed a small, smart breed and his energy, personality and cuteness have been a joy every day.
People who buy dogs usually get what they want and adore their dogs. Accepting the 'wrong' dog doesn't always do the dog any favors.
And why should responsible pet owners constantly have a guilt trip put on them if they don't bail out people who don't neuter, abandon their dogs? Purebred dogs by responsible breeders usually do not end up in shelters.
I have a passionate love for dogs and do like mixed breeds and purebreds. There is not a prescription for what any dog lover "should" do.
Carrie
Well Karen is in Canada and as someone who just FINALLY got accepted to adopt a puppy from a shelter here after being on a waiting list a long time I can tell you there aren’t many available so your heart doesn’t have to break. I know it’s worse in the US and that is heartbreaking :(
Congratulations to you Karen, it’s great to support responsible breeders, absolutely no shame in that!
Enjoy your little new friend, I know he’ll have a wonderful life! Oh and I felt the exact same way, kid at Christmas- so exciting!!
Karen
I. Am. SO. Excited! And thanks! ~ karen!
Vicky
I second you Carrie
Jill
Repudable??? What is that.
Sue Baldwin
Don’t do that.
Pat
Let's not get snarky.
Karen
I have bought from a breeder and I have rescued dogs. Our dog now is from a breeder. We spent months going to different rescues and over a couple counties. We wanted a puppy after rescuing older dogs and spending exorbitant fees on issues that the rescued dogs wind up having. There were NO puppies at any of the rescues. Congrats on your new puppy Karen, it is so much fun! And don't worry they do outgrow their chewing and wetting even though it seems like that might never happen. I am happy for you and the new little fur baby!
Karen
Thanks Karen! :) ~ karen
Susan Whelan
As a senior citizen, a confirmed dog lover and someone who has had rescue dogs my entire life, I find your post kind of mean. When my last rescue died of extreme old age, my allergies had become so bad I absolutely had to go to the non shedding breeds. First place I checked was my local shelter. They get very few dogs and have a waiting list for the ones they do get. Apparently the rescues in my area of Canada have to import rescue dogs from the U.S. to fill the demand.
So, I too went to reputable breeder and got a standard poodle, the most amazing dog I've ever had in my long, dog-filled life. He was a year old when I got him, I have no idea why the breeder had him so long, but I loved him so much I got him a pup, from the same place.
Karen, just a word of warning...nothing, and I mean nothing, has prepared you in life for a standard poodle puppy. They are a combination of silly, crazy, funny, way too smart, and pure badness. And way too tall. My second fur child has just finally got over his puppyhood. I think. And he's six. But he still checks out my countertops when I'm not looking and he's as tall as me when he stands on his hind legs.
And Laura, keep educating people (in a nice way) to neuter and adopt, but don't be judgemental of those who want or need a purebred. You're on the side of dogs and that's the important thing.
Karen
Thanks Susan! I actually think the best thing to do is to encourage people to train their dogs. Dogs who end up in shelters, are often there because the owner hasn't taken the time to train them. And there's a standard poodle in my town that is 28" at the shoulder. He's a pony. He is literally the size of something a child could ride, lol. ~ karen!
Karen
That choice is yours Laura and I support you if that's the route you want to go. I'm not going to defend myself to you or anyone else though. ~ karen!
Rosalind Moller
Good breeders always find a market for their pups. We have benefitted hugely from providing the perfect loving home to a 4 year old Aussie who through no fault of his own, shockingly found himself in need of a permanent home. He has turned out to be a perfect companion. Love knows no bounds between us. He is a fun-loving 11 year old now and takes much interest in everything going on at home.
Karen you are making a good decision in adding a canine companion to your life. Pandemic or not.
Roz
Roz
Alisha Gardner
Not allllll rescues vet their animals for health issues and temperament. A friend recently adopted a staffie and it wasn't long after she had to be euthanized - staffie couldn't handle the sight of another dog and attacked two - this was after extensive behavioral training. Her aggressive aversion to other dogs "came as a shock" to the "rescue" society. They also denied that the dog had been a bait dog (puncture wound scars on her back legs indicate otherwise) and rejected the idea that the dog had had at least one litter of puppies (though that was also glaringly obvious) My point being that rescues can be great. But not always. Breeders can be great. But not always. People have their reasons for choosing either option and neither one of us is in a place to judge them for it.
Marlene Eastman
If those pictures of the pups are 8 weeks, he's going to be a big boy! Congratulations and don't leave anything lying around .... puppies are such chewers!! We got 2 brothers last Dec. Pandemic pups!! Yikes Get them socialized!! We travelled to BC by plane in August and introduced ours to a cat, a toddler, a new born and lots of different people and other dogs. Great decision, but we did take a water bottle with us, little buggers are barkers and wake napping kids. Heading back home to your area in a couple of weeks, then back again for Xmas. Enjoy!!! They keep you busy!!
Karen
They're just over 5 weeks in the photos! So yah. BIG boy, lol. ~ karen!
LS Nelson
Handsome little dudes. Ernie will show him who's boss. Where's he gonna swim?
CathyR
I am so thrilled for you! I can’t begin to tell you what a difference Tucker has made in our lives. I too wanted a specific breed( Havanese) and a puppy so no, I didn’t rescue him but I also refuse to be shamed for using a breeder. I chose a reputable one and now, at 10 he’s a huge part of our lives. He didn’t excel at agility 101 so that ended quickly but he’s still such a part of our lives. You’ll have fun with him, just give him time and yourself patience. I trained Tuck on pee pads but he’s transitioned to going outside now that we live in Arizona and don’t have a basement where the pads lived. Only downside is he has to pee on everything on walks; then it’s a 3 drop stop, a 2 drop stop then he’s air-peeing and that’s annoying. Perhaps a female for the next one…🤔🐾
Carla
I have a little female corgi. She stops and drops on everything too. Its not just little boys. Arizona, too!
Karen
Yes, I fully expected to be shamed for getting a dog from a breeder. I do not care. ~ karen!
Bubb’s mom
Bravo! I’ll weigh in again - right now I have 2 rescues but in the past I’ve parented registered purebreds. I’ve loved, cared for and spoiled every one of them. Owning a dog, any dog, is a lesson in humility and humanity.
And, Karen, I feel you will be a wonderful dogmom. Have fun!
Cathy
I have a small mixed-breed spayed female who marks things on walks! She even half-lifts one leg. It's amusing. But at least she uses potty pad in house. My male doesn't always. Sigh
Grammy
My labradoodle, Frank, has to do the pee mark on everything on our walks, too. My only "rule" for him is that he can't piss on the plants in people's yards. He can mark rocks and posts, and he does. To avoid lingering too long while he's trying to conjure up enough urine, we just make sure he is well hydrated just before the walk -- works like a charm. Fills up on water, walks, comes home to a fresh bowl of water and empties it again.
Chela Noto
Just to add to many of the comments, his name is Achilles. Chili (kili) for short. Can't wait to read all about your adventures with a pup. I was mad enough with my last three to wake up every two hours at night to take them out for a potty break, then I fed them apple slices and carrots. Now all my dogs are quasi vegan!
Karen
I'll be doing that too! I literally have a checklist of what to do every day. I'm sure it'll get thrown straight out the window once he gets home though, lol. ~ karen!
Kim
Congratulations!!! Dogs are so great. I've always been a cat person (we have two cats and one dog). But I have to tell you, the difference between cats and dogs is dogs are more HUMAN, somehow. ♥️
We have a golden retriever and I always say she is pure love in fur form. Dogs are a sort of physical manifestation of the divine. I figure. Anyway. 💁♀️😀
Karen but not that Karen
Poor Ernie. The puppy will be wonderful, I am sure. My heart goes out to Ernie.
Karen
It'll take a bit of time but Ernie will be fine. Bringing a CAT into the house. That would have been a much bigger problem. ~ karen!
Penley
Yeah, Ernie will be fine. He will show that puppy who's boss in no time. I feel the same way as Karen - if we got another cat there would be HELL to pay. A puppy - well, that would just be another staff member to add to our darling's household!
Carol
I am betting Ernie will have the puppy trained in no time with how to get along with cats. 😊
Congratulations Karen, on adding what I would guess is a standard poodle. They are brilliant, loyal and loving. A good friend had a silver one named Rhett who completely lived up to his name. He was a show off who adored women. She did obedience shows with him and he also liked to go off script and show off for the judges.
Frances
I think you actually found the perfect name without knowing it...its even in your post !!
Achilles...🤣🤣😍
HANNEKE Bennett
You're right! Perfect name and could be Ace for short! 😘
Karen
That IS a good name, lol! ~ karen
Haley Hill
I came here to say rhat exact same thing! Achilles is a great name and it was un your post lol
Nancy
Haha! Feliway is so interesting! Promises so much and delivers so little! Oops sorry, maybe it depends on the individual creatures. Good luck with the puppy, he'll be a complete blast.
Catherine
Dogs are the best! So happy for you Karen, looking forward to watching the adventures of pup.
Karen
Hi Nancy! I have had it going for my cat for about 4 days now and I thought for sure I'd think it was stupid. But It's definitely made a difference in her anxiety. She has HIGH anxiety and always has because she was feral. So she's terrified of every sound, movement, person ... everything. But in the past 4 days she's become much calmer and less sensitive to stuff that would normally scare her. I think it probably depends on the cat - and for her it's worked surprisingly well! ~ karen
Meg
yeah I agree actually. I had written Feliway off as "hokum for people who don't want to bother actually training/caring for their pets" until we got a kitten and tried it - it was like magic.
My friend adopted what turned out to be a pregnant cat. And we were thinking hey, our cat is a snuggler, maybe he'll warm to a kitten. But he didn't right away. Unnnntil we tried some feliway, then he did great. I think it helped him get over the "oh god who are you, you're different" thing. Then they were pals.
Every time they would go to the vet in their own carriers, but as soon as they were let out, they'd squeeze into one carrier together. The vet always thought this was hilarious and would do most of their exam while they were in their cat pile.
I mean it wasn't always 100% perfect, sometimes they did get in weird little spats (because kittens are nuts, to be fair) but then they'd calm their shit down and snuggle. We kept Feliway on hand for stressful situations like moving, and vet visits, and if people (or dog/something new) came to visit us.
Karen
I just feel bad that I haven't been using it her whole life! She came to me (lived on my front porch in the middle of winter) feral and it made her anxious and terrified of everything. Fast movements, any distracting sounds ... And obviously terrified of any and all people. I wouldn't say she's like any other cat now, but her anxiety is way down. ~ karen!
Carla
Feliway? That sounds interesting, I'm going to check it out. Congrats on the puppy Karen, they are definitely worth the time and effort. My dad was a veterinarian so we've always had pets of all kinds, dogs, cats, goats, rabbits, horses, donkeys, chickens, ducks, even monkeys, parrots, a toucan and once a lion cub. Lot of work but so rewarding. My youngest sister's youngest child is getting married in a week and guess what her biggest problem is? Where to house all of the furballs that will be coming with their human families, LOL. Standard Poodles are lovely and I'm so glad you found such a great breeder.
Caroline Freedman
Can’t wait!!
This is so exciting!!
Congratulations!!
Katy
Congratulations! Getting a new puppy is so exciting, and I can't wait to read all about him!
Twyla Laakso
Oh yay! I can’t wait to meet him.
You’ll know his name once you meet him and get to k ow his personality a bit. Just like hubby and I had no idea what we would name our rescue pup until about 4 or 5 days in. All we knew was that her rescue name didn’t fit. What DID fit, was “Turbo”….and it still fits her😁. Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out. You’ll be a great Mom to your new fur-baby 🥰
RandyP
Lucky pup for sure. You look simply amazing, in puppy love and at peace in these pics. This is NOT the first time I've wished I was a dog - lol - doggone lucky dog...........
Have a wondeful time creating a forever home for the beastie. I look forward to the progress posts.
Karen
Thanks RandyP, lol! ~ karen
Jane C.
OMG, I'm so happy you're getting a puppy! Welcome to being owned by a dog. Sign up for puppy obedience classes so you can be properly trained. :-)
Karen
Oh I've been signed up for a while now. :) ~ karen!
Jane
Congratulations! Besides training classes, socialize your new puppy with other dogs of all breeds and sizes. It will help him to learn how to get along with other dogs for the rest of his life. I trained one of my Bichons to be a Therapy Dog. Before the pandemic, we visited a local children's hospital every week. Senior living places are also a wonderful place to visit. Many patients had dogs throughout their lives and really enjoy spending time with the pups.
Congratulations,
Jane
Wendy Thomson
Looks like a Standard Poodle to me.
Vikki
OMGosh!! You are so lucky! If you ever thought you were happy before, you ain’t seen nuthin’ yet! For the first time in 60 years, I am dog-less. 😢 I envy you so. Can’t wait for more news (and pics) from you.
Robert
So this time it is sure? Like absolutely sure? Or will the dog magically turn into several cats and chickens like the last time you where considering getting a dog?
Either way CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Karen
LOL! No this time it is 100% for sure.😂 ~ karen!
Jeanne
Congratulations Karen! I am a dog person, and until recently lived with 3 of them. My best friend Otis crossed the rainbow bridge a month ago. We spent nearly 12 years together and I miss him terribly. I'm so happy you are getting a best friend of your own. I am guessing Poodle, although one looks like it could be a Cocker Spaniel. I wish you all the very best. Ooh puppy kisses!!!
Karen
Thanks Jeanne! I'm excited. I'm so sorry about Otis. It's an all consuming heartbreak to lose a pet. ~ karen!
Vicki
You are really going to enjoy having a dog, and you are going to be a great dog mom. (
I'm guessing they are some kind of doodle.)
Karen
🤷♀️ ;) And thanks! I'm gonna do my best! ~ karen!