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.
Terry
“Don’t leave things around that he’ll chew…” Haha, Bruno (a Lagotto) ate the drywall, doorframe and cabinets in his “nursery”. Puppies ARE sharks! And simply the best therapy. We had 4 pups for a while 3 years ago but the 2 Min. Poodles who were older have crossed the Bridge (and have left a hole in my heart. Poodles are so very loving.) So enjoy the new family member and best wishes to you and Ernie and the chickens!
Karen
Thanks Terry! ~ karen
ErinG
Congratulations! Having a puppy is such an "all the feels" kinda life changing event. You're going to do great.
Karen
I'm sure I'll do terribly for the most part but I'm going to try, lol. I'm sure the dog will correct anything I'm doing wrong. ~ karen!
ErinG
They are god teachers and infinitely patient. I've learned a lot about myself from my dog. Not all of it pretty.
Laura Chastain
Don’t steal this one, but I’m naming my next dog “Squirrel,” so when i yell his name at the dog park, every single dog will immediately look…
Karen
I actually thought of Squirrel as a name for a bit but I find it just slightly hard to say so I took it off the list. It's a great name! ~ karen
Ann
I got my Great Pyr 7 years ago. She was the last puppy in a litter born on a working farm. I knew her name and that I would love her from one single Craig's list photo. She had red fur and her name just had to be Lucy.
Our newer house dog came from the shelter. Probably a Border Collie Mix. They had her named Tesla which we had planned on changing immediately. But hey, I am a retired MRI technologist. We identify the strength of the MRI machines in Teslas....and identify them to the world by that value...I worked on a 1.5Tesla scanner for years....how could I even think to alter her name. It was meant to be and she fits it perfectly as she attracts every single person to be her friend....
Good luck with the new puppy. You do have 2-3 years of training ahead of you but that can be a lot of fun as well. And the cat won't take long to get used to the new fur ball, they tend to accept puppies quickly vs an adult dog. Took my 2 cats months to finally accept Tesla and she loves those cats and has from day 1
Karen
Thanks Ann! Yeah, I figure it's going to be a lot of training and I also knew I couldn't bring another cat into the house. I know Ernie will accept a puppy far easier than another cat. And YES! See?!! Tesla was the perfect dog name for you! That's the kind of name I wish I could think of! ~ karen!
Jane
You're forgiven, Karen, for not adopting from the pound since you have a responsible breeder matching dog to family. The 3 of you and the chickens will be one big happy family!
We had 2 OES long time ago. They had their own fenced-in area in the backyard with a big dog house. When our then white shorthair first came, he took to the dogs instantly and sometimes would go and eat out of their bowls. It was so funny watching one little kitty eating out of one big bowl and 2 big dogs crowding the other, occasionally looking up at me like, "Can you please do something?" He would snuggle up to them in their dog house too and they tolerated him. After the dogs passed on, for the longest time, he would still hang out in the dog house until it finally started falling apart and we had to take it down. Poor thing, he missed them so!
Andrea
You know when Jerry Maguire says those beautiful, touching, heart melting words..."you complete me"? Well I think he was actually talking to his dog. Congratulations Karen. Dogs are the best!
Karen
Thanks Andrea! :) ~ karen!
Johnna
I have a fire hydrant for my male to pee on .keeping the yellow burnt grass to a minimum and helps with the house breaking potty business. Some spot and he knows what’s expected when you take him to it. They sell pee post . I looked for an antique hydrant but to no avail. My husky is no doubt the best thing my son could have gave our home. Love this dog. Good luck.
Karen
Thanks Johnna! I think the 6'x6' patch of grass I grew for the dog will be good for training him where to go exactly but if need be I'll start looking for a fire hydrant, lol. :) ~ karen!
Melissa
Alistair Gray ——> Dooba
We’ve always had at least half a dozen names for each of our critters – – their birth name/given name, followed by various iterations of that and nicknames that evolve along the way. Our cat Alistair eventually became fondly known as Dooba. And no, we’re not potheads!!
I’m expecting future posts about the evolution of doggy’s name, along with all the other fun stuff you’re willing to share. So fun for us non-dog owners to live vicariously through your journey!
Karen
Plus you won't have any poo to clean up! So it's a very good situation for you really, lol. ~ karen!
Katie Hughes Murphy
CONGRATULATIONS MOM!
Don't listen to the nay sayers, go with your head and ❤. You've done the research and seemingly have Ernie on your side (make sure you give him plenty of extra attention too! 😁). I couldn't be happier for you!
Karen
Thanks Katie! It is *definitely* the right decision for me. :) ~ karen!
Sasha
Welcome to the joy of canine parenthood. I've had that pleasure 4 times; the last was with my best friend & service dog. The best advice I can give to you is to talk to your dog. Talking to my dogs as I would a person came naturally to me; I'm autistic. I didn't realize that not everyone does this. It makes it much easier to train your dog; it increases their vocabulary. A puppy can be the most infuriating #@%& ever. (Never leave him alone with a down or feather pillow.) But dogs are worth all of it.
Karen
I live alone. I talk to everything in this house, lol. ~ karen!
Jennifer Smith
Portuguese water dog, maybe?
Karen
Maybe! ` karen
Stephanie Quiser
I am so excited for you! They are adorable! I have Scleroderma and anxiety. My sweet boy, Vito has been an awesome friend and companion. Dogs are amazing creatures! Much love.
Melody
I love that you love that you are getting a puppy! They are so fun! If it comes to a you-could-have-this-white-one-or-this-black-one, I hope you choose the black one. Either way, you are sure to be happy. Looks like a poodle to me!
Karen
LOL. Yes, I do indeed love that I'm getting a puppy. I'm not entirely sure how I'll fit it into my life but if I have to give up one thing to make time for the dog I'd be happy to give up cleaning the kitchen every night. But I don't think that's going to be an option. ~ karen!
sally
Over the moon happy for all of you!
When you think about the possibilities, perhaps achieving "good citizenship" and then interacting with children or seniors or those in care - you have such a big heart :-).
Love the story of Peyo the hospice horse (in Calais): https://www.theguardian.com/society/gallery/2021/mar/12/doctor-peyo-the-horse-comforting-cancer-patients-in-calais-in-pictures
CONGRATULATIONS!
Karen
OMG a hospice HORSE?! That's amazing. Like, full-on, absolutely incredible! ~ karen
Marie
Congratulations karen! I look forward to the many stories of happy adventures you have with him!
Kaisa Kupila
You are getting a Labradoodle!! I am so exited for you....there is nothing better than puppy smell, especially puppy breath smell....and don' t forget to smell their paws....they smell divine like earthy musty fermones.
I have 5 dogs myself, 4 rescued and then 1 pup which was born between 2 of my rescues before I had a change to neuter those 2 naughty ones. We got in total 6 pups and we get the last born and named him Munchkin,
Looking forward getting puppy spam soon.
Kathleen
Nope, labradoodle cannot be shown, not an AKC recognized breed.
When you get pup “chuck” tickle, pet him under the chin when he approaches you. He will greet you head held high and proud for your under the chin caress. Pet him on top of head he will come to you head down,
Karen
Good tip! ~ karen
Barb Hester
EXCELLENT tip!! Thank you! :-)
Lynn
Too right! I have a rescue pup that I often remind to hold up her chin so her crown doesn't fall off! She was dumped in the trash and her little spirit forgets she was saved and is a Queen now!
Pat
To take it a bit further, a labradoodle is not a "breed" at all. It is a cross between two breeds, poodle and labrador. And, yes, they can be adorable. I've recently seen a
Bernadoodle and a Sheepadoodle, too.
Vicky
I have an Airdoodle. She's pure black with wavy hair, not fur. Diva (apply named) just turned 2 years old and magically turned into a well behaved dog.
Vicky
and by the way, was housebroken in a week with only a few piddle accidents. She's very smart.
Jenny W
How can I be so darn happy for someone I have never even met?
You will not regret this (except for a brief moment around the end of 3 months where he is acting like a little shark and still having accidents on the floor - but that too shall pass)
Cats are lovely, but dogs are the best serotonin bundles around!
Let the LoveFest begin <3
Karen
Thanks Jenny! And yes I fully expect to have various periods where I question my sanity. ~ karen!
HANNEKE Bennett
You're right! Perfect name and could be Ace for short! 😘
JamieK
Looks like Standard Poodle 🐩 to me. My sister has 2 black. Such a wonderful breed.
Benjamin
That black poodle close up looking through the grass looks like my Dexter.
I'm so excited for you Karen. ((hugs))
Karen
Thanks Benjamin! Love the name Dexter. ~ karen!
Kathleen Donaldson
They look like standard poodles or porties, but their noses have been clipped because they' be TOTAL furballs, otherwise. Both also adorable, though the porty remains a lifelong kid and poodles are frighteningly clever. I've had both and loved them both. Good luck!