Do you have a dog? Alex wants one badly, but my family didn't grow up with any dogs, so I've never really wanted one. But you know what is slowly changing my mind? Pinterest. I mean, all those sleeping puppies?! They're totally irresistible. And they make me envision having one. We honestly might end up getting a dog because of that website!Do you have a dog? What's its name?
(Photos by OYAP, Olivia, Alkeemi and Besotted)
We have an adopted black curly coated mutt named Danger. He is such a goober and makes me happy every. Single. Day. Having said that, I also grew up without a dog and I have to say that while Danger is my BFF, child, and sometimes boyfriend (he is adorably protective and likes to cuddle) dogs are a LOT of work. A lot. My husband and I were ready for this when we decided to adopt, but it totally has changed the way we travel, talk, even go out to eat! So while I am super pro-dog (and cat!) it is a big decision. Worth it a million times over, but a big change. Good luck! xo
ReplyDeleteWe have a goldendoodle named Lily and we all adore her, even the non-doggy lover!
ReplyDeleteSeriously; 'doodles are loving, intelligent, and fun...protective without being aggressive...and we have never had a moment's regret about getting her BUT I would never recommend getting a dog because a puppy is cute. Learn about the different breeds and their ADULT temperaments; speak with experts and with people who own the breed(s) you are interested in and interact with some of the breeds and their owners if you can. If you decide to get a mixed breed dog then go to a professional training class or trainer so you and your puppy can learn basic obedience, etc... and establish a relationship with a good vet. (Good ideas whether you have a pure or mixed breed.)
Just like children: dogs of any age need firm and fair boundaries, (which they will test from time to time)regular healthy meals, a safe place to sleep and regular bedtimes, and excellent health care.....unlike children, they have to go outside to potty and (especially as a puppy) they gotta go when they gotta go, regardless of time of day or type of weather.
I'm not trying to be discouraging by any means but making SURE that you are prepared to have a 4-legged 2 year old for a decade or two, who has to go potty outside, prevents much more heartbreak than it creates.
I have a 2 yr old Bernese Mountain Dog named Barkley. He is a 125lb bundle of joy and I love him like a son. He is my husband and I's first dog and we are obsessed to say the least!
ReplyDeleteWe have Edwin. My husband had never had a dog and I was nervous it would be too much for him. We were married for two year before we adopted Mr. E. All It took was Edwin chasing snowflakes and a nap at his feet and he is was head over heels.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/davidsieren/3372948831/in/set-72157615729604284/
1 very sweet chow, pitbull, golden retriever mix named Cobie. I think she's made me a better person.
ReplyDeleteI have a beagle-basset mix named Elvis and along with my husband, he is the love of my life. No kids yet, just as an aside. Elvis is the sweetest, kindest and snuggliest being in the world.
ReplyDeleteWe have two - Daphne and DJ Waffle Biscuit. It was a French aristocracy, neo-classical phase of sorts.
ReplyDeleteBefore we got our Golden Retriever, I wanted to get a dog and name him Doug (like in Snatch when Brad Pitt says "dog") but instead we named him Finley. He is a sweet soul, very mild and smart, great with everyone. Loves people more than other dogs! Highly recommend Goldens for all families.
ReplyDeleteA brown lab named Finn. But we call her Finner Winner Chicken Dinner for short!
ReplyDeleteMy dog is 6 months old and her name is Sumo; she's about 4lbs right now. She's a chihuahua + dauschaund mix.
ReplyDeleteMy brother's dog is a 2.5 year old golden retriever named Rocco.
I love them both so much!
We have a mastidane (part mastif, part great dane). She is beautiful and loving very protective. It does take extra planning if you are traveling because she is so big that we mostly have to leave her with a dog sitter. We love her!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I am on board with people names. Ours is named Margo :)
We have two mini-labradoodles, Sully and Dash, and they bring us so much joy!
ReplyDeletei have a dog named Lucy. she has to be one of the best things that has ever happened to me! it's kind of like having a child.... it's nearly impossible to imagine your life without them - and so much more fun with them in it!
ReplyDeleteLucy, our sweet beagle basset mix, came to live with us about a 1 1/2 ago. i had wanted a dog for a long time (i grew up with them, just like alex!), but my boyfriend joe wasn't very into the idea. i literally searched the humane society's website weekly! one day i went to see an adorable terrier mix, but when i got there, i very quickly realized that dog was not going to work for us. he was jumping up and down in his kennel and barking like crazy! i told the adoption specialist what we were looking for - a quiet, low maintenance snuggle bug. and there she was! a sweet little beagle, basset mix, sitting by her lonesome in the back of the kennel. we met and instantly had a connection! Lucy was from Kentucky and had just had a litter of pups. she was veryyyy scared of car rides, anxious around people, and terrified of being left alone. we worked with her diligently since the day she came to live with us, and she's honestly not even the same dog. she is now outgoing, sociable & adventurous - and it has been an awesome time getting to know her.
i definitely recommend getting a dog - adopt if you can!
I have a teacup Pomeranian name Royce Roosevelt. He's about to turn one year and brightens my life every day!
ReplyDeleteWe have a 13 week old Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) named Beasley. He's wrinkly and amazing!
ReplyDeletei love my dog so much i am seriously considering getting her doggy face tattooed on me forever. she has taught me so much about myself and about what caring for others really means...
ReplyDeleteit may sound silly but raising her as a puppy felt a lot like having a baby. a couple days after we brought her home i had serious second thoughts and i remember laying on my bed, crying, just staring at her in her crate and telling my boyfriend i didn't think i could do it. i was totally crushed by my feeling overwhelmed because i had wanted a dog soo bad for soo long.
but we have gotten through the bad stuff and now we all just love each other 24/7. she does cuter things as a big dog than she ever did as a puppy (imho). like she stretches out next to my boyfriend, with her head on his chest, and they take a nap, or when she's sitting next to us she reaches out for our hands so that we'll pet her.
a puppy is seriously a lot of work, a lot of patience, and a lot of trial and error troubleshooting to get them to respond to you as leader of the pack. but the result in the end is super worth it.
Please adopt. A dog. Puppies are INSANE. SO hard with a 2-year old, I'd imagine.
ReplyDeleteOur pug's name is Peach.
I've had three dogs in my life,but I don't want to have one any more because I just won't stand loosing one more. When my last dog died I swore I won't have any more dogs. It felt like my best friend in life died and it's a feeling that just someone who has had a pet understands. They are the most loveable creatures, they give you joy, friendship and so much love you wouldn't believe it.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I'm planning getting pregnant in a few months and I would love my child to have a dog... I even know its name: Violoncello!
oh and her name is maya.
ReplyDeleteOur dogs are named Hannah and Lucy (and we have a cat named Michael.) In my family I was the last line of defense against getting a dog, but after we adopted Hannah I was in love and we adopted Lucy soon after. They are great playmates for my five-year-old daughter who is an only child. We love doing outdoor stuff, so they fit in well with our lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI do! Her name is Roxie. Actually I'm getting VOTES!!!!!!!! for her to WIN 5 Kuranda BEDS FOR A SHELTER!
ReplyDeleteGo here to VOTE! Thank you so much!
http://ex-scapes.com/2012/06/02/kuranda-dog-beds-vote/
We have two dogs, Miles and Kelly. Mini-schnauzers that are the funniest, sweetest dogs I could have ever asked for. I agree with everyone that you should adopt. Sometimes it takes time (and even a few tries) to find the perfect dog (or two), but they know you've changed their lives.
ReplyDeleteMy dog's name is Teddy. He is my darling. He was a brand new puppy when I took him in after my aunt passed away tragically last fall. A whole new part of my heart has opened after having him in my life for nearly a year.
ReplyDeletePeople who love should always have a dog, or multiple dogs. It's a win win.
My dog is a toy poodle named Byrd from Carolina Poodle Rescue in Spartanburg, SC. She's actually the one I named my blog after!
ReplyDeleteShe is the light of my life (along with her brother, the turtle.) I got her when she was 2 years old and I have loved her more every second.
If you adopt a pup, please consider a sweet shelter dog! You can even find breed-specific rescues like I did if you know you want a certain sort of pup :) They are SO grateful once you give them a home, because they know what it's like to be without <3
Love the puppy photos you posted... And you're right, Pinterest features so many adorable dog and puppy photos - irresistible!
ReplyDeleteKatherine @ thistle handmade
We have a rescue dog. We renamed her Freddie, or Fred, for short!
ReplyDeletewe have two, Crash and Eli, and they are best friends. I swear my bad days have significantly diminished since having their cheerful company
ReplyDeleteHaving a dog in your life, is pure joy.
ReplyDeleteI've grown up with pups my whole life. Of all the dogs we had growing up, by far our favorite was a 130 pound Great Dane/Boxer mix named Maverick. He not only looked adorable sleeping like most pups do, but he was literally the definition of a gentle giant.
ReplyDeleteCurrently, we have a 4 pound (full grown) rat terrier named Bebe and a 65 pound pit bull puppy named Misa.
The best description I've ever heard about having a dog has to deal with the loss of one:
'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'
A dog will warm your home and your heart in a way that absolutely nothing else in this world can.
We have two rescue dogs and two rescue cats. The dogs are australian cattle dog mutts named Kora and Kylie. The cats were former blood doners at a vet hospital and are now in "retirement." We kept the names they came with but I added middle names for Talullah Mae and Pepper Anne. Mutts and mixes are the best! You don't have to worry about inbreeding problems and you get to save lives!
ReplyDeleteLife is so much more fun with a dog! We have 2 dogs - Elsa and Lola - and they are so much fun. I really consider them part of our family. We adopted them from the shelter, and they make me so happy.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with dogs and always knew that I'd have one.
I've always had a family pet. Love dogs. My husband and I have a Dorkie (daschund/yorkie mix) named Maggie.
ReplyDeleteShe's awesome. Can't imagine our little home without her.
I didn't grow up with dogs either, only cats. My husband grew up with dogs though. Although I have always wanted a dog I was nervous about getting one due to the responsibility. We have two now. A boxer named America, who my husband picked out and a maltese mix named Raz who I picked out. American we got from a breeder at 8 weeks and Raz was a rescue I found on craigslist. Raz was a 1.5 years old when we got her and was as much work as America at 8 weeks due to the fact that she had never been properly house broken or socialized. Don't fool yourself into thinking an adult dog is necessarily easier then a puppy! Now I can't imagine life without dogs!
ReplyDeletewe have 2 - Kayleigh and Rusty - and we're currently trying to adopt another - LOVE LOVE LOVE my pups!
ReplyDeleteMy dog is basically my daughter. She's a loveable lab/pitbull mix that is completely OBSESSED with kisses/licks, whether you like it or not :o) I named her Rilo after Rilo Kiley, and adopting her was the best choice I ever made!
ReplyDeleteUp until last week we had two dogs - we had to put our lovely german shephard/husky mix Melody down because of old age ailments. But our other dog, a lab named Tulley, is doing her best to provide us with love and comfort. I can't imagine life without at least one dog in it.
ReplyDeleteMy mum has 5!! They're adorable. I'm more of a cat person myself x
ReplyDeleteI'm a dog lover in a very bad way. My husband and I have three dogs. One I've had since college, another we adopted when we moved in together and the last was a wedding gift :) They rule the roost and are in for a bit of a shock and lifestyle adjustment when baby arrives in 6 months.....oh and their names are Peanut, Patango and Cole (short for Coltrane).
ReplyDeleteMy pup's name is TOBY actually! He's a beagle mix, and we are often guilty of treating him more like a human. Once kids are in the picture, he's going to have to learn to take the back seat though ;)
ReplyDeletewe have a dog named jack and two cats named tina and zoey. we love people names for pets, it's so funny. you would live having a dog, they truly do become a member of your family. I would definelty recommend rescuing too :)
ReplyDeleteI have three beautiful dogs, Ruby, Lila and Ella. They make every day brighter. They make me a better person. GET A DOG!
ReplyDelete*love oops!
ReplyDeleteI've four dogs! My family does, anyway (I'm 23 and am a migrant between the boyfriend's house and my parents!)-- I've four younger siblings and my mom always felt that having a pet of your own to dote on and care for was an intrinsic part of childhood. I've four younger siblings; hence, many cats and dogs.
ReplyDeleteMy dog isn't with us anymore (a siamese cat is mine these days); he was the first real dog of the house; prior we had had cats and hamsters and things, but once the bevy of children were older and out of diapers we got a dog. His name was Zorro and he was a Norwegian Elkhound! When we were looking into dog breeds, my mom swore she wouldn't get a dog that sheds a lot or a dog with his tail in the air all of the time; she didn't want to deal with that!
Welp. Elkhounds embody both of those qualities, we adopted him from a lady who had dark cranberry carpets and very young twins. She couldn't cope with the shedding.
Anyway, he was a great dog. Once, we had a rabid/strange coyote in the woods behind our yard that charged at my (then ten year old) sister. Zorro jumped the fence and went after him! It was kind of noble.
Now I've a Newfoundland/Lab mix, a Shiba Inu/Jack Russel mix, a Corgi/Australian Cattle Dog mix, and a long haired, standard dachshund. When I'm all grown up, though, I want another Elkhound. I'm obsessssed with pinning pictures of them over here: http://pinterest.com/kelsey_keefe/norwegian-elkhound/ lol
i feel like dogs are a vital member of any family. I can't imagine my life without at least one dog in it at all times! Growing up with dogs was such a pleasure.
ReplyDeleteRight now, I have my main man Alfonso. He is a very charismatic lhasa-poo and the best companion. Seriously, he's the shit.
My advice to all my friends here in NYC who also have kids is: Don't do it!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is coming from someone who loves their own 10 year old dog, and someone who has a son a little bit younger than Toby.
Food for thought:
1. Walking said dog at all hours. 2. Dragging your baby out in the freezing cold in a stroller every time the dog has to pee.
3. Dogs in crowded NY streets, having to pick up after them. Yuck.
4. As someone who loves to travel...dog boarding in NYC is just terribly expensive. Everytime we go anywhere we add on SO much money to the travel expense for the dog.
I think one should only get a dog if they absolutely CANNOT LIVE without one. Otherwise, reconsider!!
My dad let me name our dog growing up and I decided to call her Amelia Bedelia after my favorite book character. Now I want a dog of my own. My parents just got two dogs and named them Driggs, for the town where I now live and Girardeau for the town where my brother lives.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with only cats, but my husband grew up with dogs. We have had two cats names MoHawk and Fenix for a few years, so we recently got a basset hound puppy and named her Clementine. I am now a dog lover. It was been an amazing learning experience and she has definetely changed our lives for the better.
ReplyDeleteYou guys would love having a dog around, and I'm quite positive he or she would be Toby's best friend! We love our black lab, Orvis. He brings such happiness into our lives on a daily basis!
ReplyDeleteMy husband have never lived with an inside dog when we got Scout. It was amazing how fast she became an intrinsic part of our lives. We kept a blog chronicling our raising of her (http://puppymakes4.wordpress.com). I have a feeling that it's like having a child: With all the hard moments, there are so many other special ones to outweigh the work.
ReplyDeleteWe have a retired racer named Spindle. Here are some pix!
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/greysfabric/my-dog-is-the-best-dog/
My dogs name is Maribeth (but I call her Beast). She is a gray old lady and never barks, but instead rooster calls when she gets excited. She walks to work with me every morning and curls up under my desk and naps until lunch. I love her ... a lot. Dogs are the best and you'll love the one you get. Plus they make you feel more secure being home alone with your babe.
ReplyDeleteWe have a sweet black and white labradoodle pup named Hank. We got him the week after we lost of dear chocolate lab recue, Henry! (we love the human names too!)
ReplyDeleteMy King Charles Spaniel, Arthur is arguably one of the best things to ever happen to me. He has taught me so much, I can't even begin to describe it...wouldn't do it justice. KCS are fantastic with kids, very gentle and patient. You should look into the breed : )
ReplyDeleteWe have a blonde labrador Doris, she's the cutest and really a welcome addition to our family! You'll be surprised how much you'll love him or her... For real :)
ReplyDeleteMy King Charles Spaniel, Arthur is arguably one of the best things to ever happen to me. He has taught me so much, I can't even begin to describe it...wouldn't do it justice. KCS are fantastic with kids, very gentle and patient. You should look into the breed : )
ReplyDeleteYou HAVE to get a dog! We have a super bratty but amazingly cute Welsh Terrier named Gryffin -- he wore a tie in our wedding! http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/picture/536814
ReplyDeleteWe have an english bulldog named Chloe. She is the best and bulldogs are great city/apartment dogs. not much exercise is needed and they like to rest and sleep the day away. mine is really good with kids and my family. She brings lots of joy and fun into our lives we love her!!
ReplyDeleteWe have a golden retriever named Sandy (def human name!) and the name fits her perfectly as she loves the beach and rolling in the sand. I did have a dog growing up and always knew after we got married we wanted one. Its a lot of work if you get a puppy but I think well worth it. We are very proud of our dog and get so many complimetns on her:)
ReplyDeleteI didn't grow up with dogs and I may still not consider myself a 'dog person' - I'm now a 'my dog' person. :) Their names are Grover and Oscar and I love them with all my heart. <3
ReplyDeleteI had the same problem but with cats! I grew up with dogs and my partner grew up with cats. We realised that a dog would be too much hard work especially with us out all day at work. We ended up rescuing a cat from a nearby street. I was really against having a cat, they always scared me a little bit? But my partner really wanted one so I finally gave in and did it for him. We've now had Nico a year and we wouldn't be without him and amazingly I've turned into a 'cat' person! Moral of the story- push yourself out of your comfort zone, it may be the best thing you do! If your hubby wants one badly he'll do most of the work if you get one anyway ;)
ReplyDeleteWe have a golden retriever/leonberger mix named Maggie (Gyllendogg) and a miniature pincher named Jack (Bauer) we also have two cats named Lucy and Thunder. We adopted all of them and all of them are awesome and get along with each other. Definitely get a dog and definitely adopt one from a shelter or a rescue. You can find any dog of any age at a rescue on petfinder.com A lot of times if a dog is at a rescue, it is being fostered in someone's home and they can tell you all about its temperament, etc. It cracks me up when someone brags to me about their dog that they got as a puppy from special breeder, and how expensive it was, etc....and my dog is totally more well behaved and well adjusted.
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend has a dog, but if my landlord allowed dogs, I would get one! I definitely think you guys should get a furry canine friend when you have enough time to dedicate to one. You get more exercise because you have to walk them several times a day, and they are so stress-relieving and therapeutic. If you treat them well, dogs are the greatest companions.
ReplyDeleteI have a 4 year old rescue pit mix named Beau.
ReplyDeleteI would like to add to the many posters who recommended you rescue. For your first dog, I think rescuing a young adult is a great idea, b/c the shelters are full of what I call "products of the economy." They are dogs that nice families raised, withstood the potty training and chewing stages, had children and maybe even taught the dog some commands. Then, due to the economy, losing their jobs or downsizing to a no pets allowed apartment, had to give up their beloved pets to a shelter. All dogs are work, and there will always be some sort of training to do. But, there are def dogs out there (NYC has so many!) who are already family dogs...just without a family. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
We have a dog named Watson and he is hilarious! He keeps us laughing and smiling everyday. And the pictures of him are awesome. Looking through our files they are all of Watson and they are all cute or funny. Even though we love him immensely I must warn that dogs are a big commitment and your life will change forever.
ReplyDeleteWe just got a little rescue pup named Noodle! It's my first dog too, and it's a lot of work, but she's very sweet and fun.
ReplyDeleteLove all the dog people on here! Dog people are the best! The love of my life is a small poodle-mix named Marble :)
ReplyDeleteI might be biased but I think greyhounds are the best dogs. We rescued one two years ago and can't believe how calm he is around kids and he's so sweet, sleeps most of the day and was really well trained when we got him. We named him Marty McFly because our favorite movie is Back to the Future.
ReplyDeletewe have a 155 pound newfoundland named Milo, he is the best dog ever you should for sure take a look at him if you get a chance you will melt . and our first baby on the way, can't wait to see our puppy and baby together! yes a 155 pound puppy!
ReplyDeletebradyandkendal.blogspot.com
Oh puppy eyes. I just can't withstand them. We've got a little Border Collie mix puppy named Bellatrix. She was the runt of her little, so she stayed really small. Like a permanent puppy!
ReplyDeleteWe have an almost 6-year-old English Bulldog named Winston. He is a gem, stubborn, full of love and snuggles, and what a personality. And so sleepy and lazy! I got him 4 years ago when I lived in a small apartment and they are great apt dogs. Don't need a lot of exercise, content to just snuggle up and sleep!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a dog but I'd love one. My sister has two and I swear they're like people in dog suits. Their personalities are amazing. Their names are Guapo and Pandora and they are English bulldogs like the one in that first photo. She and my BIL had two other bullies for them but they passed last year and they were Homer and Lulu. I was SO devastated when they died as you can imagine they were. My BIL had Homer for 14 years which is pretty unheard of for Eng bulldogs. They are so sweet and loyal and stubborn!
ReplyDeleteMy dog is named Scout after the girl in "To Kill a Mockingbird". I call her Scoutie, or bunny..she is a terrier and has the best personality. Dogs are like family members.
ReplyDeleteI always had dogs growing up: all pound puppies I loved dearly. (Odie, Pepsi, Muffin, Rosie and Molly). I worked at an animal shelter during high school. My husband grew up with dogs as well. Rotweilers, Vislas and Mastiffs. However, we do not have any dogs as a married couple. Somehow our love for a clean house - sans dog hair - has taken over our desire to have a dog. And dogs really require a lot of attention in order to be cared for properly. But I love them more than anything. If you do decide to get one, please consider adopting!
ReplyDeleteWe had dogs growing up but I wasn't super crazy about having one of my own. My husband LOVES dogs and wants to have two, one for me and one for him. We got "my" dog 5 months ago, and I love her like she is my child. She's a toy poodle named Cece and it was a huge adjustment having her as a baby, but she's house trained now, which makes a huge difference. I love her so much!
ReplyDeletePinterest really does make you want a dog doesn't it?! I have a boxer/coonhound mix named Gunner. He's the best dog ever! We got him from a shelter when he was one, he was also named AJ. It was love at first sight for me and I haven't looked back :)
ReplyDeleteI don't have a dog, but they are quite adorable! We decided to adopt to kittens from a foster home as they are less maintenance than a dog. I would def suggest adopting from a foster / shelter!!! If you adopt a fostered animal they can tell you their tempermant, if they are potty trained, do they get along with other dogs, cats, kids, etc. Good things to know for sure! BTW - our kittens names are Norman & Contessa. xoxo A-
ReplyDeleteWe have a dog: Luke Skywalker, you can see it here:
ReplyDeletehttp://fourroses13.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/darth-vaner-vs-el-maltrato-a-los-animales/
And we are volunteers in a shelter:
http://www.chuchos-gr.org/
There are 80 abandoned dogs that I consider mine because I love all of them and I take care.
Please, if you want a dog DON'T BUY IT, adopt it from a shelter!
we have one dog and his name is mobie. we got him when he was four years old. he's a fun family guy!
ReplyDeleteWe have two Boston Terriers and I am totally biased and believe it is the best breed in the world. I cant imagine life without them. We got Sully - now 5 - from a breeder when he was a puppy, and Otto - age 2?? not sure - is a rescue dog that we adopted last August via Petfinder. Our first Boston was a rescue as well. While I agree that adopting is a very good idea, I also think people need to be prepared to deal with the uncertainty that can come from not knowing the dog's background. Otto has a host of issues that we are working on, remediating god knows what he went through before we came along, and its hard work, no doubt about it. While getting through puppydom is a challenge too, I can say that from about 9 months on, Sully has been one of the easiest dogs to live with on the planet. Just go in fully informed regardless of what route you take - but either way, I highly recommend canine companionship!!
ReplyDeleteIt took me four years to convince my husband to get a dog...and now he can't imagine life without her! Dogs can sometimes be a handful--ours has separation anxiety--but we still don't regret it. I agree with the others who say to adopt..it's great to give a dog a home. My dog's name is Jeta, a poodle mix of some kind: http://madewithrelish.com/jeta/ :)
ReplyDeleteI have a 3 year old golden retriever named Levi....but mostly I call him "son," much to the disdain of my boyfriend.
ReplyDeleteI love love love my dog so much, but as an apartment dweller, it is a HUGE commitment. And training a puppy is basically a full time job unless you're not attached to anything in your house.
My husband and I rescued a Australian cattle dog pup named Harper in February . She is our love and has changes our lives! I wouldn't recommend a cattle dog in the city though.. They have a lot of energy! We take her everywhere and she goes to work with my husband everyday which is such a blessing! Adopt!
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend and I have a 4 year old 9 pound terrier mix , his name is Mister Halston. It's so fun to adopt a dog and get to know their little personalities. We joke around that Mr. H is our roommate because he thinks he's a human. I never had a dog growing up, but always wanted one. I absolutely love my little guy and genuinely feel excited to get home from work and see him every day. I can't imagine how I went so long without a dog.
ReplyDeleteyes! i have a sweet yellow lab and her name is Peyton. i love her to death. She is awesome to ahve around when my husband is traveling for work.
ReplyDeletehttp://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com
i always wanted a dog growing up and my husband surprised me for my birthday last year with a welsh corgi we named BRUCE! unlike most of the commenters, we did not adopt because we wanted a specific breed, corgis are very social, sweet and a smaller breed which is good for apartment living. he did require a lot of house training but he's so worth it. i can't imagine life without our bruce.
ReplyDeleteOur dog, Olivia, is a rescue dog and came with that name when we adopted her at 4 months old, almost more than 7 years ago. Her mother (chocolate lab) had been killed by a bobcat in the mountains of western NC before she was weened and properly socialized. She is a lab mix -- the father was a border collie. All of the other siblings were adopted, except for Olivia and her sister. She was well worth the wait (we had to beg and watch the Eukaneuba dog show every Saturday morning for 3 years before my husband relented!) By then, I knew I wanted a rescue dog, and began the search every day or two at the animal shelter and weekends at the pet stores when the rescue dogs are brought in. I would definitely recommend adopting a rescue dog -- they are so happy and grateful for everything... There are rescue agencies for almost every breed of dog, and then there are the mixed breeds, which is my preference. Once you decide, it pays to be patient to find a good match with your family's personality and life style. Two good books I would recommend (both by Brian Kilcommon) are "Good Owner, Great Dogs" and also "Mutts". Seven years later, my husband hates to go running without her, and loves her as much as the rest of us. She is a family dog (not all breeds are, so check that out), and she loves all of us. You can see pictures of our dog, Olivia, here http://orangerieandblue.blogspot.com/2012/05/olivia-good-dog.html
ReplyDeleteIf you do get a dog, make sure you spend the time to properly train and socialize it, and exercise it as much as it needs. I trained our dog by myself (using the techniques I learned in the book I mentioned above and others, also shows on tv), it was a wonderful experience. All members of the family must be on board with the training techniques, and the dog must learn that it is the lowest member of the family on the totem pole...even practiced having our young son put food in and take it out of the dog's mouth.
Sorry this is such a long comment, but hoping to share our good experience... Make sure you start with a healthy dog, and with time and consistent training, you will be rewarded with a friend for life!
I have been wanting a dog my whole life (I'm only 23 so I guess that's not terribly long). As soon as I get settled I'm buying a puppy and naming him Sir. I've been researching breeds for years and finally have one picked out! You NEED to get a dog!!
ReplyDeleteI didn't have a dog growing up, either, but a dog was the only thing I wanted :) I got a Boston Terrier puppy in my early 20's (Otis) and he is great. There is nothing like the companionship (and entertainment) they offer! (FYI- Boston Terriers make GREAT apartment dogs, are very smart, train easily, low maintenance, and good with little kids :)
ReplyDeleteCave! I did and I am SO thankful. Even though it's not ALL cuteness and sleepy cuddles, all those moments make it so worth it! I have a German Shorthaired Pointer named Maverick. He's cRaZy and hyper and runs alot, but such a lover and the perfect pick me up to a bad day... he loves so unconditionally. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Joanna!I love your blog. I have a 3 year old pug Loulou Dylan, she's the cutest :)
ReplyDeleteI have a dog named Walter. He's pretty much the best thing on the planet. He was found 4 years ago running down a busy street. He was covered in fleas and ticks and was a mop of messy hair. He is seriously the best thing that has happened to me. Here he is:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/trendybitch/4187212485/
Adorable, huh?
This is so timely! I *just* got approved to adopt a retired racing greyhound and he will arrive next week. I haven't had a dog since I was a kid, but studying up on greyhound care/behavior/training has been really fun. They are very gentle, smart, and big couch potatoes.
ReplyDeleteWe have a rescue dog-Charlie the beagle-who we love a ton. He is the best. That being said, it IS like having another kid, which can be hard. That, that being said, our days are brighter because of him. :)
ReplyDeleteWe love having dogs in the city. Even though our dogs are bigger, we've found there are so many things we can do with them, plus we've met so many people in our neighborhood. I think if we did end up having to adopt again, we would get an older dog; we found it works with our lifestyle and they are so much more laid back.
ReplyDeleteWe have a little adopted weiner dog named Liesl - like the character from The Sound of Music.
ReplyDeleteShe's a great snuggler and lovely companion.
I bet that if you get a dog, you won't regret it :)
-Una
thelittleredpaperclip.blogspot.com
I have a dog! Her name is Libby and she's a fabulous king charles cavalier spaniel. Dogs are wonderful additions to a home! Ooooo I hope you get one! Here's a pic of Libby on Pinterest (I couldn't resist showing her off):
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/pin/159103799305211996/
I just got a 13 week old puppy! Puppies are A LOT of work but I am so smitten with him that I don't mind a bit. His name is Luca. I wanted to go with Steve but my Boyfriend used his veto. lol
ReplyDeleteabsolutely we have a dog :) His name is Zeus, he's a beautiful brindle pitbull and he's the best investment that we have ever made.
ReplyDeleteA dog is the greatest companion (for many many reasons, too many to list!) - they love you even after you've had a fight, they're always excited to see you (no matter how long you've been gone) and they are ALWAYS there for a snuggle...
you should probably get one
I have a two-year-old Golden Retriever/Great Pyrenees mix named Moses. He is the laziest and the best. Human names all the way!
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine has a dog named Henry. He's badass.
ReplyDeletewe have a golden retriever named Lily. she is the sweetest, smartest, but hairiest dog ever :)
ReplyDeleteGrowing up with big dogs is the best thing ever! My family always had dalmatians (Lucky and George Freidrich Handel). When I was a kid, Lucky protected me from the coyotes. When I was an insecure teenager addicted to the internet and prone to sullenness, running with George kept me active and got me out every day.
ReplyDeleteI ended up riding horses for years and worked on a few ranches (best summer job in university), and I fully credit that drive to be out & healthy & around animals to having to run the dog(s) every day.
We have two Boston Terrors. Er, Terriers. One had a not-so-great start in life. I can't say enough good things about Boston Terriers. They are just all-around great dogs (We like to say they are big dogs in a small package).
ReplyDeleteI have an adorable 3 yr old. A rescued mix, he is some kind of shepherd(s). I named him Mario Batali, but I call him Batali.
ReplyDeleteYou must get a dog! They are so incredibly wonderful. So sweet, joyful and loving.
ReplyDeleteI write a blog about being a coach's wife. Here's a post that sums up how I feel about my dog (Ella):
http://coveringhome.blogspot.com/2012/04/good-company.html
My husband and I got a Basset Hound puppy right after we got married, and she's amazing. So incredibly smart and well behaved and those EARS! Her name is Eloise because for some reason we decided to name all our pets after LOST characters (we also have a frog named Desmond). Basset Hound puppies are the cutest thing you will ever see. Seriously, google it. Get a dog. They can be a hassle if you don't have the time to devote to training them right, but they're just another best friend to cuddle with.
ReplyDeleteWe have two! A miniature daschund who got stuck with the name Pumpkin as a puppy. (It was his nickname when I was trying to come up with his actual name and he never managed to shake it.) And a yorkie name Gidget after Sandra Dee's character. Her name fits her perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI've always been around dogs, growing up. They are truly man's best friend! I have a 3 year old pomeranian, named Chibi and he weighs 9 pounds. I travel with him constantly in my book bag, with his head sticking out. He loves it!
ReplyDeleteBurgundywhispers.com
We adopted our dog Leroy last year from Small Dog Rescue based in NJ. (Somebody left him tied up in a park in Brooklyn.) Adopting Leroy was definitely the best decision ever, and he's a great excuse for having to go for a walk every day. Here's a pic:
ReplyDeletehttp://instagr.am/p/LgERl5nJp-/
We've got 2 rescue mutts, Oliver and Samson. They are my favorite things in the world.
ReplyDeleteyes! i love dogs! his name is augustus and he's my baby!
ReplyDeleteI want a dog badly!
ReplyDeleteI grew up with dogs, my husband with cats. He got two cats before we got together so I inherited them. I hate all the fur they leave around, the fact that they barf on things and they aren't declawed (its supposed to be better for their self esteem!?). Even though my husband is nearly OCD-clean, I don't know if my sanity could deal with any more pet mess.
I do melt through and through when seeing "dog-friends" in real life.
we have had two cats, Hamlet and Nanaki, for over 4 years and this spring we decided to adopt a puppy. We got her from a shelter south of us, and the litter was named after chess pieces-we got Rook and it was just a wonderful name for her-she is a joy even through her current teething period.
ReplyDeleteWe have an English Bulldog named Lucille Bull. She is the light of our lives! Hard work, yes, but well worth it for the countless hours of entertainment, energy and unconditional love that she brings to our household!
ReplyDeleteYes! He's the love of my life. He's a Shih Tzu and his name is Samson (we call him Sam and Sammy also) Dogs are the most loyal and amazing things ever. My dog has made me love and appreciate all animals. One thing he always does that makes me love him all the more is if I cry he comes over to me and refuses to leave until I'm happy again, he wags his tail and yawns until I acknowledge him.
ReplyDeleteA dog would be great for Toby, but also the two of you as well :)
Oh yes!! I have 2 miniature schnauzers and they are the best! They are 6 and 5 years old. We have a 2 month old baby and both dogs get on fine with the baby. I think you guys should totally get a dog, hands and feet down! They open a part of heart that no other person can...only a pet can. Good luck with the puppy hunt!
ReplyDeleteOh yes!! I have 2 miniature schnauzers and they are the best! They are 6 and 5 years old. We have a 2 month old baby and both dogs get on fine with the baby. I think you guys should totally get a dog, hands and feet down! They open a part of heart that no other person can...only a pet can. Good luck with the puppy hunt!
ReplyDeleteDo not get one.
ReplyDeleteI adore dogs, but picture picking up dog poop in little plastic bags.
And finding dogsitters when you travel.
And the added expense of food + vet bills.
And feeling bad when you leave. Dogs are pack animals.
What you can do is be a dog sitter. All dog owners need them from time to time. Many will pay. That will give you your dog fix.
We have a Yorkiepoo ( half Yorkie half poodle ) in our small NY apartment. His name is Ziggy and I love him to bits. I highly recommend any type of dog with poodle in it as they do not shed.
ReplyDeleteWe have a dog.. Rain. It was her shelter name and I didn't have the heart to change it.. I got her 5 years before meeting my husband and now we've all been together for 6 more years.. she is the light of our lives. I don't think he ever would've gotten a dog, but he loves her as much as I do and she is deeply in love with him. I can't put into words how much love, companionship, understanding and sheer joy you will get and happily give to a dog. They are pure sunshine and will only make your family happier!!! There is nothing like sharing your life with an animal!
ReplyDeletePS. my dream was for my dog to live long enough to know my child.. we're expecting a baby any day now and can't wait for them to meet!
I never craved having a dog, but now that I live with my fiance and his English Bulldog (Sasha) I couldn't imagine not having a dog. I love our little family.
ReplyDelete*And bulldogs (French and English) make SUCH great apartment dogs in NYC (we lived in FiDi).
We have a black lab named Maggie, a yellow lab named Zoe, and a cat named Libby. Love my dogs!
ReplyDeleteI have a pitbull (I know what you're thinking, but they are the sweetest dogs in the world), her name is Sunny. My fiance and I found her running down a busy street with no tags or collar and it looked like she had been out there for a while. She is the best thing that has ever happened to us. Her tail wags so much every time she sees us, she has taught us so much about life, and always makes us smile.
ReplyDeleteDogs are not for anyone though, they need lots time, attention and walks. But the payoff is so worth it.
You should totally do it! My dog died a year ago. I got him from the pound and his name was Max, he was a crazy and peculiar dog because he had a braintumor (but I only found out about that after he died). But he was so sweet!! I miss him a lot. When he just died I would keep forgetting about it, so I would accidenlty call him when I walked through the park (people thought i was going bananas), or I would drop a potato on the floor after dinner and then slip over it myself beacuse of course ther was no one to eat it. I work all across the country so for me now a dog is a no, but as soon as possible I'm definitely getting a new one. It will be so great for Toby also! XO
ReplyDeleteI have a lovely boxer mix, Margot. Plus dogs lower your heart rate and are proven to help you live longer! (good for Toby).
ReplyDeleteAs a dog-lover with a 22-mo old -- truth be told, my 10-mo puppy is cute, but SO MUCH WORK! We have a 3-yr dog too. Not as much work as a toddler, but unless you are ready to pile on just a bit more responsibility ontop of your toddler, maybe wait til he's older to get a dog....or rescue an older dog so that potty training may be easier. I hate that we don't have the time or dedication to train this puppy as we did our 1st dog. We got here before having our son. Our dogs names are Coco and Jasper.
ReplyDeleteI never had a dog growing up either, so I never really wanted. However, my parents got a dog a couple years ago, a Jack Russell Terrier they named Lance (a very human name) and now I LOVE the idea of having a dog! I still am not fond of big, drooly, loud dogs, but I have been dying to get a nice, cuddly, little one like Lance.
ReplyDeleteWe have a labradoodle. His name is George. He's big, brown and seven years old. When I crawl into bed at night, he's already asleep on his dog bed in our room, softly snoring like an old man. When you talk to him, he moves his eyebrows up and down or cocks his head one way or the other. He's got so much character and that's why he's my all time favorite dog. And George is very kind and gentle with kids. We have a four year old and once I was in the bathroom and came out to find my son missing. The dog was missing too. I found them both in the garage. I know the dog went with to watch him.
ReplyDeleteWe have a dog named Lola and a cat named Simba! I love dogs and I've had one since I can remember! Another cool name for pet in my opinion are Nina and Charlie!
ReplyDeleteWe have two dogs and have always had a dog. A couple things: there's nothing wrong with a purebred from a real breeder. You get health guarantees, a socialized pup, the breeder's expertise for life and someone with a REAL idea of what the pup will turn out to be personality wise....this is important because no dog in a shelter displays much more than stress behaviours. You can be in for quite a shock in a few weeks if you adopt. Once the dog settles in, all hell breaks loose. If you must adopt, consider rescue rather than a shelter. If the dog has been fostered in a home for a few months, they'll know what it needs.
ReplyDeleteGet a medium to large breed pup if you have kids. The smaller dogs are reasonably scared of small kids due to size. Small dogs are also MUCH harder to housebreak.
Get a crate and use it. Also a clicker, and invest in lessons and puppy kindergarten.
Herding breeds require much more effort not to be nippy around kids.
our dog is fritz-- a saluki, setter, ?? mix from north shore animal league. he's a real find, though has some anxious/neurotic tendencies (ahem, has eaten two TV remotes in the past month... we are keeping a certain eBay seller in LI in business).
ReplyDeletedogs are THE BEST, especially with little kiddos. just make sure you get a puppy-- lots more work on the front end, but better 'cause you have more control over their training, establishing bonds with kids, etc.
good luck!
i have a dog named walter! he is a handful, but the unconditional love is priceless. i adopted him from a shelter, and he was fully housebroken and was very easy to train with commands. he's a total mutt, but mutts are the best! and the healthiest! if you guys do decide to get a dog i truly hope you adopt! there are so many pups out there looking for someone to love!
ReplyDeletei have a dog named walter! he is a handful, but the unconditional love is priceless. i adopted him from a shelter, and he was fully housebroken and was very easy to train with commands. he's a total mutt, but mutts are the best! and the healthiest! if you guys do decide to get a dog i truly hope you adopt! there are so many pups out there looking for someone to love!
ReplyDeleteJoanna,
ReplyDeleteAs long as I can remember we've had dogs in our family. Right now we have two corgies (Cowboy & Buttons) which my mom rescued. Then we have a norwich terrier (Audwin) we love all three so much and can't imagine not having a dog. PLUS if you ever drop food on the floor you never have to pick it up, you've got a living vacuum!!!
Ivana
Over the weekend I brought home my new Boston Terrier puppy. His name is Cooper Anderson. I know he's going to be a silver fox when he's older, just like Anderson Cooper, his namesake!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are big believers in animals having proper human names! This was instilled in both of us by our parents. When I was growing up, we had four dogs - Joseph (Joey), Sadie, Natasha (Tasha) and Melissa. My parents got a dog when I was in high school and named her Casey. I am more of a cat person now, and so far our cats have all had human names - Conor, Padraigh and Steve (feral kittens from when we lived in Ireland who we adopted who all sadly passed away from feline leukemia) and we currently have two cats named Garrison and Oliver. Human names FTW! No Fluffy or Spot for us...
ReplyDeleteWe have four dogs!!! Their names are Bodie (boy), Piper (girl), Bear (boy) and Tilly (girl). Dogs are the absolute best companions! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWe (my parts and I) have a dog, which was totally unplanned--we live out in the middle of nowhere and she was dumped by someone who no longer wanted her. She was probably a little more than a year old when we got her (it's been 4 years now!), and I'd take a bullet for that dog, I love her so much. And I'm not a dog person! She's a total mutt but the vet thinks she's probably part Chihuahua and part herding dog. What a combo.
ReplyDeleteAnd her name is Ellie, after Eleanor Roosevelt :)
We have a black Pomeranian named, Kiwi. She is our first "child". :) Kiwi (7 in July) and our daughter (2) are best buds - its been a lot of fun to watch our daughter grow up with a dog as a best friend.
ReplyDeleteWe have a dog. His name is Bear and he's the best! He's a rescue dog and super smart. I would love to show you a pic!
ReplyDeleteI have a fawn Pug named Hubert. He's hilarious!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/jennyndesign/6215441521/in/set-72157606035022407
when i was younger and single i used to pine over the puppys in the west village shops. when i met my now-husband, he had the golden mix that i had been dreaming of. having a dog was better than i even thought it would be - she was sweet and kind and wagged her whole body when we came home at night. we lost her in january, and miss her every day. one day i hope we'll get another.
ReplyDeleteWe have a wonderful dog that my 6 month old son is IN LOVE with. Her name is Honey, we adopted her after her last family neglected and bread her. She was 6-12 months when we got her and can't imagine our lives without her.
ReplyDeleteAdopt a dog, save a life!
We have a really wonderful shepherd-afghan mix named Neo. My husband adopted him from a local animal shelter in 1999 (when The Matrix was huge - I suspect there are sister dogs out there named Morpheus and Trinity...)My husband says he knew Neo was the one when in addition to being adorable, he was afraid of the janitor's mop and hid behind my husband's feet for protection.
ReplyDeleteIt took me forever to come around to have a dog, but having finally made the plunge about ten years ago, I can't imagine ever going back. We have Cookie and Charlie, two Jack Russell terriers (not remotely apartment dogs - definitely think carefully about the breed before choosing), and they're fantastic. All love, all the time. Unless you're a small rodent, in which case - watch out!
ReplyDeleteA picture of Charlie as a pup was featured on Cute Overload recently - we were very proud :)
http://cuteoverload.com/2012/05/14/muppet-or-puppeh/
(And yes, the eyebrows are real...)
Our dachshund passed away few months ago:( his name was Pipe.
ReplyDeleteNow we have a foster dog witch we found in the forest ( how can people just leave their dogs??? ). This little lady is named Chai.
I have two dogs of my own - both were accidental discoveries in my neighborhood - and I will never go back to life without one. Please, please, please adopt - don't buy a cute puppy from a pet store or breeder! So many wonderful dogs (including puppies and pure breeds!) are waiting in shelters or in rescue groups.
ReplyDeleteWe have Charlie. He is our world and we love him like a child, it's almost sick how much we love this little guy. We even (embarrassingly) have a website for him: www.charliesarni.com He is a Coton De Tulear. Also known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar. We call him King Charles. :)
ReplyDeleteNo dog but we do have a cat named Rodger. :)
ReplyDeleteNo dog but we do have a cat named Rodger. :)
ReplyDeleteWe have two Jack Russell Terriers named Mickey and Ivy. They are so smart and totally hysterical. I don't know what I'd do without my dogs (and cat)! They are a beacon of joy in our lives. They make me laugh so hard and constantly add levity to our day.
ReplyDeleteI never grew up with a dog, but both my parents did! I found it so unfair, but their reasoning was we were a busy family and it would be unfair to the dog to be alone all day and stuck in kennels during vacations. However, my boyfriend has a dog and I am starting to get the little itch. I want one so badly! We've also joked about having a pet sloth. Weird, but cute!
ReplyDeleteI always had dogs. I cannot remember a time of my life without having a dog around.
ReplyDeleteToday I have a shih tzu, his name is Bob Marley. ;)
http://instagr.am/p/KqYJHIRhGq/
We rescued a dog last year (cocker spaniel mix) and we named him Ace. He is the best thing that we've done so far....and we can not imagine life without him.
ReplyDeleteI have a 2 year old great dane named Gatsby, and he's awesome! That said, he is SO much work, especially when he was a younger (although not much smaller!) puppy. Danes are low-energy dogs (we live in an apartment) but we walk him for about 2 hours a day, plus do another 1.5 - 2 hours of training, playing, and grooming. And try getting a neighbourhood kid to walk your 150lb dog if you want to grab drinks after work!!
ReplyDeletePLEASE don't get a dog unless you're 100% certain that you can commit to the huge amount of work it requires to care for and properly train it (and with a big dog, "properly train" is hugely important!!!).
Consider asking to dog-sit for a friend for a few weeks, or fostering a dog from a shelter, so that you can get a feel for the amount of time it takes to exercise, train, and care for your pet.
They are like toddlers that never grow up - they're totally dependent on you, get into everything, can't be reasoned with, and will fill your home with lots of love and laughter if you're prepared to commit to them.
I have a 2 year old great dane named Gatsby, and he's awesome! That said, he is SO much work, especially when he was a younger (although not much smaller!) puppy. Danes are low-energy dogs (we live in an apartment) but we walk him for about 2 hours a day, plus do another 1.5 - 2 hours of training, playing, and grooming. And try getting a neighbourhood kid to walk your 150lb dog if you want to grab drinks after work!!
ReplyDeletePLEASE don't get a dog unless you're 100% certain that you can commit to the huge amount of work it requires to care for and properly train it (and with a big dog, "properly train" is hugely important!!!).
Consider asking to dog-sit for a friend for a few weeks, or fostering a dog from a shelter, so that you can get a feel for the amount of time it takes to exercise, train, and care for your pet.
They are like toddlers that never grow up - they're totally dependent on you, get into everything, can't be reasoned with, and will fill your home with lots of love and laughter if you're prepared to commit to them.
we have pixel, the cutest brittany spaniel ever. she's my first dog (i was raised with cats). i was hesitant about adopting a puppy but my husband really really wanted a dog. her puppy stage was CRAZY and i didn't always like her. but now (at 4 years old) she is my best friend (don't tell my husband!). i love her to death. i work at home and we are together all day, every day. i can be in the worst mood, and she always makes me smile! good luck in your decision!
ReplyDeleteI do! and I love them. Our first dog's name is Lil Dirty, he is a scruffy terrier mutt (Cairn Terrier + Jack Russell + something special) that we picked up from a local rescue group. He was so wonderful we got him a buddy. A Border Terrier + ? from the SPCA, her name is Boxcar.
ReplyDeleteI was raised in a dog free house, but I will never live without one again.
yes! we have a smooshy faced pug mix named penny and we love her like a child.
ReplyDeletei will tell you that having a little puppy is hard, but if you adopt one that's at least six months old, it will probably be much easier!
Sure do. All Havanese, a great breed for children. Teddy and Joe are from reputable breeders and my Daisy is a rescue dog. I am a volunteer for Havanese Rescue and, also currently have an adorable foster, Bix, who was given up by his family.
ReplyDeletePlease do tons of research, go to the AKC website and take their survey to see the best dog for you and your family. Never purchase a dog via the internet or a pet store, and, always consider rescuing a dog.
Hi! Our family dog passed away last year the day after my son was born - she was one of the family and we are convinced she thought she was human and letting us live in "her" house! Her name was Bella Sue but went by Subie, Ruby, Sue...she was Bella pre-Twilight, by the way!
ReplyDeletemy family always had dogs growing up. i can't imagine my parents not having one. wish i could have one in my apartment now!
ReplyDeletealso, my old neighbors used to have dogs with "human" names. sometimes they'd wander off and they'd send their daughters out to look for them. so funny to hear them yell for steve, the beagle and ed the yellow lab!
I was like you, Joanna - not raised with dogs (or any animals - my mother was always against it, and I was actually a little afraid of them). I decided to adopt a grown dog a few years ago, much to my mother's dismay, and guess what? Best thing I've ever done, and even my mom loves her. I do think adopting a full grown/trained pet is the way to go for new owners who are kind of scared of all the responsibility (they're past the hyper/chewing stage), and they need homes too!
ReplyDeleteWe just got a puppy last week! When my brother was little he had an imaginary friend named John T-Ball Huxton and I've been saving the name for a dog ever since. We named our puppy Huxton T-Ball Thompson:)
ReplyDeleteYou can see pictures of him here (warning- he's adorable!) http://www.progressivepioneer.com/progressive-pioneer/2012/05/introducing-huxton-t-ball-thompson.html
We have a Cocker Spaniel puppy, his name is Rocco. He's 7 months old, check him out here! http://pinterest.com/lauraluvs/our-sweet-boy/
ReplyDeleteI have two dogs these days (rescued) and they NEVER fail to make me laugh every day of my life. The greatest regret that I have about my childhood was NOT having dogs. My mum always had all kinds of objections but I always loved dogs, and always stopped on the street to pet any dog I would meet.
ReplyDeleteA dog is a perfect companion for a kid, they never get tired of silly playing, they fetch FOREVER and that is just HEAVEN for a kid. Having a dog during childhood is a blessing for a kid, a companion, a living lesson on companionship, loyalty, and fun. It is sad when a dog dies but it can teach a kid to deal with that too, they learn that the life of their pet is in their hands, and that a pet needs love and care, and guts (the pickup of the poo) all that.
BEST DECISION EVER.
Anyways, choose your pet in many visits. Don´t do in on a whim. Some kids need calmer dogs, and a too energetic dog can be difficult to handle. It´s like falling in love....visit the shelter or the breeder...meet many dogs, you´ll know when you find it.
We have a 5-year old Irish Setter named Aiden and 3 cats. Even though they drive me mad (the so called "accidents")sometimes, I wouldn't want to miss them for anything!
ReplyDeleteWe have two dogs and they are very much a part of our family. If you choose to adopt instead of buy from a breeder (which I feel is a better option but to each his own...) I would suggest getting a dog that has been living with a foster family that has young children. Yes puppies are a lot of work but older dogs can have triggers that you may not notice at first. I have fostered quite a few dogs and many dogs in shelters and rescues have issues that you need to be willing to work with!
ReplyDeleteMy family's dog is named Henry :)
ReplyDeletewww.anna-bird.com
We have 2 dogs. Pharaoh hound named Mino and a Whippet called Ronja.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have two dogs we got from the animal rescue league, and they are wonderful! I truly think rescue dogs know you've saved their lives! Once you get the housebreaking down, they are like little family members. At least our Olive and Charlie are! :)
ReplyDeleteI have a dog I brought back from Sierra Leone, Miss Jack. She's a street dog that showed up on my doorstep, and changed my life. She has the most wonderful way of introducing me to new people and getting me outside of my comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteWe have two wonderful dogs Charlie the schnoodle and Nadia (Named after Nadia Boulanger) the pitbull:)
ReplyDeleteI do!
ReplyDeleteI have a 15 year old Papillon... Love him so much :)
Oh my god, I think the amount of responses to this post is insanely hilarious! Dog people sure love their dogs! We have a boxer named Mars (this breed is great with children - and the elderly - by the way.) But I totally agree with giving animals human names. I've heard Frank, Floyd, Kevin, and Chris and every single time I whoop with laughter. Seriously, Joanna, dogs are awesome. But I'd recommend holding off if you are planning on having another baby anytime close to when you get the dog, otherwise the dog will generally be neglected and this always makes me feel so sad for the little buggers. If not, go for it!
ReplyDeleteI honestly can't imagine not having a dog(s)! I have two boys - a chihuahua and a pug. Their names are Bob and Oscar. (I thought Bob was THE funniest name for a dog!)
ReplyDeleteWe've had dachshunds all my life and you couldn't ask for a better dog! They love everyone and everything! The only issue is their backs, have to be very careful! Ours have been named Biscuit, Cocoa, Skeeter, Red and Sammy!
ReplyDeleteI did not grow up with dogs either, but now that I have Mugsy (he's an Australian Cattle Dog), I can't imagine life without him! There is something about having an always friendly, always up for fun, unconditional lover in the house that brightens every day. We laugh more because of him, and he motivates us to be active and silly, which in turn reduces the stress of our jobs. He also learns tricks super fast, so his performances are great ice breakers when we entertain guests... No one single thing has ever improved my life more than having a this little, furry friend.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have a miniature dachshund, she looked just like the little black and tan dachshund at the top of this post as a puppy. Shes 6.5lb and named Petunia Jean. I also did not have dogs growing up, and Petunia is my first dog. I was so scared when we got her that I cried the first time I was left alone with her. Now, a year later, she is my constant companion and tiny buddy. While I love our 3 cats, I can't imagine that I'll ever live in a house without a dog again.
ReplyDeleteWe have a boxer/pitt/mutt adopted from BARC (in Brooklyn) named Tugboat; he's about 3 now, and our 19-month-old loves him. She says, "Tugboat!" first thing when she wakes up, and he's the last thing she wants to see before she falls asleep. I think her first words may have been "Sit, Tugboat."
ReplyDeleteBut he is a lot of work. And it's kind of hard to get anything done with him around-- he likes attention (of course. Wouldn't you?). Also, while traveling with a baby is complicated, figuring out what to do with the dog (or making sure your child care/babysitter doesn't mind having the dog around) just adds another layer of complication...
Good luck!
We have 2 dogs: a red heeler named Ruby and a blue heeler named Ringo. They are both wonderful! Ruby is older, has her cranky moments towards Ringo, but overall is a total lover. Ringo has the energy of a toddler and a constant need to play fetch (which can get annoying) but he also thinks he's a (45 lb) lap dog, and I love cuddling with him in the evenings.
ReplyDeleteAw, I can't imagine growing up without pets. I currently have a two dogs - one named Casey and one named Bob. (Un-traditional dog names are the best - everyone always laughs when they find out Bob's name.) Also, as so many others have stressed - if you do decide to add a furbaby to your family please, please, please adopt from a shelter/rescue.
ReplyDeleteget a dog. they are the absolute best friends you'll ever have :) i have always had dogs growing up......and in college i only lasted 1 year without one before i got my dog now. his name is biggles and he is a white maltese (non-shedding bc i am allergic to pet dander). he is the BEST thing in my life....never judgmental and always loving.
ReplyDeleteWe picked up a stray off a friend's farm last year. It was one thing we thought we'd never do, and also one of the best things we ever did. She's two years old, a rhodesian ridgeback lab mix, and the sweetest dog ever. We all get more exercise with her in the house, simply because she needs runs and someone has to take her. It's my favorite time of day, actually. She sleeps with the kids, is a wonderful guard dog, and we have so much fun with her. I highly recommend adopting a puppy; it's so worth it.
ReplyDeleteWOW, hot topic! I'm so glad you mentioned this though, because i, like you, didn't grow up with a dog, neither did my husband, but he wants one. people say your life is so enhanced by having one, in many ways, and it's just so funny how most people feel so strongly about having one, and think you're crazy almmost for NOT wanting one, and i just don't feel a huge pull because i never had one growing up. so i'm very glad you said that, i don't feel like such a cold meanie. we'll probably get one someday, too, and no doubt it will be a great addition. just depends when in life you're ready for it!
ReplyDeleteI should also say PLEASE look into adoption. There are too many bad breeders and pet stores out there who abuse dogs and breeding for money. There are puppies to adults and they are just as loving as one you'd get from a litter......please please please anyone who reads this look online and educate yourself :) also be sure you are 150% ready...they are a serious handful.
ReplyDeleteDogs are wonderful friends! (They can be expensive and high-maintenance sometimes, but they are so lovable that it makes up for that.) Our dog is a shelter-rescued mutt named Roman. He looks like part lab, part basset hound, a very funny mix. By the way, dogs with human names (I've met a 'Glen' and a 'Julie' lately) crack me up too! Funny stuff.
ReplyDeleteyou should absolutely get a dog. we have a collie shepherd mix named Casey (or "Quesadilla") and my parents have a feist/lab mix they named Eleanor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility - but we mostly call her Ellie.
ReplyDeleteGET A DOG! They're amazing. Nothing beats a furry friend welcoming you home or waking you up ( not too early..)
ReplyDeleteBut, go to your local humane society and find a match there!
My hubs and I have one dog, a pug named Belle. She's the baby! Any smashed-in face dogs (pugs, bulldogs, etc.) make great apartment dogs because they don't need much exercise, just the occasional long walk will do!
ReplyDeleteNext dog will be an English bulldog. I'm going to name him either Sir Winston or Mr. Darcy ;)
Oh my gosh, you can't even fathom how throughly you will melt when you see Toby loving on a sweet, little pup. We have a rescue dog named Francis, but we call her Frankie, because she is scraggly and quite the tomboy. She seems to know she was saved from some ill fate and appreciates us all the more for it!
ReplyDeleteMy dog's name is Tofu (: I'm not even vegetarian but I was really into japanese food when we buy him.
ReplyDeleteI always thought that it would be great to name a dog "acuarela" and "oleo" which is spanish for watercolor and oil paint.
My dog is named Baxter. He is a giant. He is now very well behaved, because we trained him with professional trainers, which cost a lot of money and time. Dogs are a lot of work, but less work than babies. He is sweet and loving and doesn't mind if I am weepy during my lady time or if I sing and dance in my towel or I look funny when I sleep with my hair up and it's all crazy in the morning.
ReplyDeleteI didn't want a dog but got one for my daughter. Now I love her too. Her name is Kitty Davis which suits her to a T.
ReplyDeletei wrote a post last week about our dog - "the nutter" - his real name is Ash. He's amazing.
ReplyDeletehttp://eternalequations.blogspot.com/2012/05/and-when-i-woke-up.html
One thing to recommend, if you don't have family or friends that are willing to look after them when you are out of town - find a great pet sitter, or boarding kennel that you can trust, and that they can trust. Make sure that the first time you bring them there it's maybe just a day or two, so they get used to it without being there a whole week. Sure... the guilt is still there, but at least you know they are safe and sound and you know that you aren't 100% tied down.
And just like kids - you have to be consistent with discipline, and best not to use food as a reward. Praise is best.
I think human names for pets are so funny, and also endearing in a way. I have a dog and named her Greta. I love having her so much, and I also love having rescued her from the pound. I will admit having her makes travelling a little more complicated, with having to arrange care. Totally worth it though. And most of the time friends are always available and even enthusiastic to help. I think having a dog is something everyone should experience at least once!
ReplyDeleteI'm a dog person, but it wasn't always that way. I became one. I have to say dogs are great companion, very loyal, can be very playful depending on the breed and very smart too.
ReplyDeleteI live with a host family right now because I'm an international student. They didn't use to have dogs, but a year ago they adopted one. I was a bit skeptical because I was used to have them since they were puppies, and this one was about 3 years of age when he joined the family. I was wondering how it would adapt, how it would react to everybody/get used to things. But I have to say, it was the best choice they could have done. They have two kids, one is pretty young and the dog will be squeezed, pushed, pet almost as if it's a stuffed animal and... just take it. When he can't take it anymore, he runs from him, but that's all. Of course, it varies and depends on many factors, but boy is the dog sweet. I wouldn't be able to take half of the squeezes he takes from the boy. He is perfect for this family, totally adopted everybody and will bark at any strange that approached the entrance of the house. It's a terrier mix.
All of this just to encourage you to adopt one :) At shelters, usually they describe the dog personality, including if it likes kids or not, if it gets along with other dogs, cat, etc.
I'd say go for it! :)
kev and i had a boxer named cash that passed away last summer at age 10. she brought she much joy to our lives but her death was sad. so very sad. still can't imagine getting another one yet.
ReplyDeletewe have two, Jasper and Mika. My two year old daughter's best friends.
ReplyDelete2- mixed breed, Jasper and Mika, my 2yr old's best friends :)
ReplyDelete