Am thinking of getting another dog. We have one, a collie-retriever named Lestat. I didn't name him, my sister-in-law did, she's a bit of an Anne Rice fan. He is very un-Lestat like, if you're familiar with the books/films. Lestat was a vampire in the Anne Rice books. When he was a puppy, his baby-name was Colin and I often think that suits him better. Generally I call him Pup or Lad. Or Bubs. He's happy to come to any of them.
He's getting on, 9 years now but a young 9 I think and I reckon he could really benefit from having a friend. He's a bit shy but I think the right dog could really help him in this. I've been looking at shelters but have just realised we won't qualify as all the shelters require a fenced garden. We're in the country and have a big garden and orchard, but no fence. Really gutted as I had hoped we could give a rescue dog a home. Lots of hedges but no fences.
There are lots of puppies for sale out there but I am ultra-conscious about breeders- many I am sure are reputable but I'd rather we found our new dog/puppy from someone who raised it in the house instead of a kennel, and isn't in it as a business. I don't mind paying but rather to someone who has a family dog who's had a litter. Shelters are full of ex-breeding bitches and stud dogs who've been discarded by the breeding industry who have no idea how to live in a home, don't have a clue about doors or hoovers or sofas- and many will languish in kennels because they need an experienced and patient adopter in order for them to adapt.
The other thing I see lots of in the websites are ads from people with typically 3-6 month old puppies and they don't have the time/new job/moving/ etc. Or didn't realise it would be so much work/time consuming. Or found their cute puppy has turned destructive from lack of stimulation. On one hand I have sympathy for these people and some do seem very upset at having to sell/give away their dog. On the other...I think really? you thought working full-time would be ok? Or that a puppy wouldn't be any trouble or work? To be honest, this really winds me up- I cannot believe people think animals can be so disposable. I wish everyone would really consider getting a dog or new puppy like signing a contract, or getting married. It's for life. Not for a few months until the puppy chews your shoes/chair legs, or barks too much or howls when lonely- and then time to dump the puppy.
And besides getting on with Lestat, our new dog will have to be cat-friendly which is a bit trickier and does rule out certain breeds. The cats totally rule the roost as Lestat well knows- if they want his bed, he moves to the floor. If they want his food, that's cool too. To be fair, poor Lestat has been cat-abused a few times. Years ago, our small cat Chloe, took a dislike to him and leapt on his back and dug her claws in. Louie swipes at him frequently. The only one who doesn't take a shot at Lestat is Marvin. Marvin just takes his bed. So it will have to be an amenable, easy going dog who enters this household and is prepared to let the cats be boss.
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