Possibilities

There are two dogs at the local shelter that have caught my eye.

Like a retriever is hard-wired to retrieve or a border collie is hard-wired to herd, I am hard-wired to have a dog. I spoke with my husband last night and even though I told him I'd trytrytry to wait a year before getting another pup, I have serious doubts about my success rate as it has been nearly two months and look where I am! Thank heavens he understands me and knows not to plead his (losing) case too hard. A dog is in his future. Luckily for me—and the future dog—my husband is a softie even though he might profess otherwise.

I keep reminding myself of the work involved. I ponder the benefits of a rescue dog that has been socialized in another home. With this pup I'd have some proof if the dog was housebroken, destructive, had behavior issues, was dog aggressive, rode well in a car, etc. With a pound puppy, all I have is the intake sheet where the owner may or may not have told the truth. But the pound puppy would have more need of a stable home.

When I think back on Suzy, I was totally oblivious and blessed. I found an incredible dog that was born to mind. She was incredibly intelligent. We were connected at the hip. She saw me through a string of boyfriends and made it clear who was worthy or not—and I trusted her opinion. (She loved my husband right off the bat.) When I saw Lucy, I fell in love with her boisterousness; so different than serious Suzy. But Lucy was a handful her whole life—a love, a delightful goofball, but a handful. Very different hound dogs.

Someone on a dog forum told me to write a list of what I did and didn't want in a dog. Hm-m. I doubt this list covers everything, but as a start:

1. Connects with my husband & me
2. Minds/well-mannered
3. Healthy
4. Confident
5. Friendly with dogs and children
6. Good, but controllable energy
7. Ability to mountain bike

What I don't want:

1. Sickly or genetic problems (hip issues, epilepsy, etc.)
2. Aggressive
3. Hyper or lethargic
4. Fearful
5. Doesn't obey

Is that too much to ask? The sad thing is there are hundreds of great dogs out there that fit the bill. If I'm lucky, I'll find one. If I don't get a pup now, there will always be another fine hound in the waiting. I wish that wasn't the case.

Epilogue #1
I didn't go. I didn't stop at the Humane Society; I came straight home. I made a bet with myself that if it was raining, I'd refrain. However, I am weak when it comes to a fuzzy face. If it becomes sunny, I may hop in the car.

Wow. I sound really weak, no will power. This is a serious case of the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. Next weekend, weather permitting, we're going on a short trip. It would be nice to do it dogless. To try and do it dogless. Okay, maybe I need to make a list of all the good things about not having a dog.

1. The house is cleaner.
2. I don't have to be home at any certain time.
3. I don't have go on a walk if it's pouring.
4. No spousal disagreements regarding care.
5. Cheaper.
6. We can go anywhere at anytime without worrying about the dog.
7. The yard/garden is free of destruction.
8. We can leave the garage open.
9. We don't have to worrying about who/how to board the dog.
10. No training time.
11. No heartbreak.

So what's good about a dog?

1. Fuzzy face.
2. Sense of humor.
3. Unconditional love.
4. Companionship.
5. Protection.
6. Ice breaker. (I know many people in the neighborhood because of dog walks.)
7. Give a toss-away a good home.

It seems like the cons are more plentiful than the pros. So why the need? That's the question.