Its a Dog's Life...Puppy Play Date - April 2011

Time for a pose through the railing....

From left to right, Dawson (17 years - Australian Shepherd), Jake (3 years - Yellow Lab), Tucker (1 year - Australian Shepherd), Missy (9 months, Border Collie)

I swear they are all smiling! :-)

But I love you too Jake...

Jake graduates from Puppy Kindergarten - November 12, 2008.

Well... he did fine... I need to go back for more training!

I spoil him way too much - but how can I not? Look at that face :-)

Canine 10 Commandments

My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that when you buy me.

Give me time to understand what you want of me.

Place your trust in me - it's crucial for my wellbeing.

Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I have only you.

Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.

Be aware, however you treat me, I'll never forget.

Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but that I choose not to bite you.

Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or I've been out in the sun or in the cold too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.

Take care of me when I get old. You too, will grow old someday.

Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say: "I can't bear to watch it", "Let it happen in my absence" or "I am tired of you". Everything is easier for me if you are there.

Remember I Love You.

I can see her in the cookie jar!

" I think I see her in the cookie jar Dawson - keep sitting like a "good boy" and I know she'll get us one!"

"There might be bugs on some of you mugs, but there aint no fleas on me!"

Although a decision could not be made when I first met the litter, it only took a few days until I returned .... I knew I wanted a boy. There is something a little easier about the whole spay / neuter process with having a boy... sorry guys... but its the truth. Not only easier for the pup, but on the pocket book too... I know... if you have to worry about vet bills you should not be getting a dog... but if you can budget a little bit where possible, whats wrong with that!?!

Seriously... i like boy puppies better... they are known to be a little "suckier"... which I like... (something to be said for human boys too... :-) maybe something to do with Buddy... I don't know, but I decided on a boy...
The owner was wonderful - I'll call her "V" - she hurried off an email to me first thing Tuesday morning and alerted me to the fact that "another family was coming around 5:30 to choose a puppy", "not certain which one they were after, but wanted to make sure you got the one you wanted!" My plans were to be there between 6 and 7 ... "schedule revision!" I bolted from the office at 2:30 and made it to the farm at 4:50 pm! She was not even there yet - but shortly after five, V pulled in, waved at me and rushed to grab the two little boys I was interested in... I assumed I would have at least a good half hour alone with them on the front lawn....but lo and behold; not 5 minutes after a short frolic with the pups - a large red van careened up the driveway, braked, doors flew open, the couple tumbled out with an eight year old fast on their heels... all three racing towards the helpless pups!

I had not made a decision yet... what do I do? I could see that the little blond one was leaning towards my other half and he in turn was leaning towards him... meanwhile, noticing my panic stricken face V calmly asked the family "You didn't mention which one you were interested in?"... without taking a breath they exclaimed "the blond one"!

Resembling a scavenger shopper at a K-Mart flashing light sale, I calmly fumbled for the little red collar from my Coach bag (Note of caution - little pup has taste in handbags!) and slipped it gingerly over his head while announcing firmly... "Sorry, I believe this one's taken!!!"

Snagged !! Too close! I felt like i was eight.... battling over marbles with the other eight year old! Too bad, Jake is mine and he comes home August 9th :-)

Max (the little black one I was also fond of, will go home with the family..... thank heavens, or I might have ended up with both of them!)

Note to self...

Note to self:

Stop perusing puppy sites... or you will find what you're looking for!

Yes, I think I have found him. (or "them")

After a struggle trying to determine the right breed... Black Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever, I have found the perfect mix... "Otis", a philandering Black Lab, found a willing Golden Retriever (her name escapes me) - to "enjoy an evening with him". As a result, six adorable little puppies arrived on June 4th....

I could not resist - I read the ad, and knowing I was going to Ottawa on the weekend, I completely convinced myself that "Lakefield" was on my way! Just up the road, just around the corner, about 5 minutes out of my way!

It turned out to be 45 minutes out of my way; but certainly worth the trip. I drove up the driveway and was greeted by this lovely golden retriever - announcing to the home owners that yet another visitor was here!

As she carefully poked around her puppies, it was as if she was nudging them to tell them to "wake up.... someone is here to adopt you, so be on your best behaviour!"

It was a little sad too... the mother reminded me of Ann-Margret in "Who Will Love My Children"!

I have to admit, I am extremely proud of myself - I actually walked away without making a decision right then and there. (i think the owner was a little put out - she drove from her cottage with Mum and 6 pups in tow to meet me - but she was wonderful - very accommodating and answered alot of my questions)

As I reluctantly drove out the drive way - (with my little ribbon still in my handbag) it was difficult - should I or shouldnt I - I had ample time to think on the drive to Ottawa. I know "I" will be the major caregiver in this adventure - but there are two of us at home, so thought I would get some additional input... the only response was "black - boy" and "Y" - we'll make a trip up on Tuesday evening....

I'm almost there... but I'm leaning towards the blonde boy....I will decide on Tuesday - Bailey (blonde) or Max (black)

Anyone interested in helping me make that decision, please feel free to comment!