Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Here we go again....

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/photoView.cgi?petid=12644381

I wanted to go see to another blonde lab/retriever mix at a SPCA miles away, but we phoned and he was gone. Figures, he was gorgeous and only 1 year old. I even liked his name. He seemed perfect on paper. But then DH sends me another link. The one above. Hubby sent it to me before finding out the dog's age. He's 5 yrs old - but that of course that is a guess. He's HUGE, sheds and needs to be retrained because someone has been allowing him to jump up on them. I experienced that first hand - twice - I think he wanted his neck massage to continue. However, I gave him a good NO! and put him in the sit position and he didn't seem to mind at all. He's also adorable, affectionate, loves getting his neck scratched and likes to go for walks. A good excuse to keep me busy and active. But 5 years old, mmmm, that may mean only 5 more years with him. If that. He was also neutered late. And because of his size, and apparent lack of socialization around young children, he needs strong training if we bring home a child in the near future. On the plus side, within 5 minutes he was all over DH and I and responded well to basic commands. We couldn't take him out for a walk as the adoption worker wasn't around til tomorrow.

Well, once again, it's up to me. DH seems to like him, but I can't go by his taste entirely - he's always attracted to the hard cases. He likes masculine, "manly" dogs. I want a gentle giant. I'm a bit concerned about his age -thoughts of his mortality. He's quite energetic but calm and allows hugs and kisses. He barked a lot when we approached his cage (that could be fixed), but he's a good dog. He just needs a chance. I wonder if I'm it......

7 comments:

Beautiful Mess said...

Awww I clicked on the link and the first picture was of just his face. My first thought was "how can you say no to THAT face?!" He's so adorable. If you have the time and you feel you can do the training, I say go for it. Of course, it's easier for me to say that, I'm not at your house. Good luck, hon!

OHN said...

This coming Monday will mark the one year anniversary since we brought home our second chance. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love him. He is truly grateful for his new family and he shows us every day.

We did have a few issues that needed to be taken care of (peeing whenever he felt like it, even if I was 2 feet away and watching!) but once he got that "aha! the lady that feeds me doesn't want me to do that IN the house" idea, he has been the most wonderful addition to our life. We don't know exactly how old Cosmo is, but best guess is somewhere around 3. I hope he lives till he is 100. :)

Wordgirl said...

Oh Deathstar,

He's SO adorable. Walk through the fear girl -- just open that heart. I tell you what -- I'll hold onto your fears and you can hold onto mine -- and that way we can move forward in love -- how does that sound?

I'm excited for you. I can't imagine my life without the spirit of a dog. I lived for so long without one -- and that seems unthinkable now.

XO

Love,

Pam

Nic said...

I would have a serious think first about the dog and if you have the time and patience definitely go for it. I rescued a dog who was 4 1/2 and she is lovely but has taken up quite a bit of time. It is very rewardding though. ~ICLW

Barefoot said...

Awww, he is so cute! I love his melancholy little (OK, not so little) face.

annacyclopedia said...

I'm wishing you much clarity and ease with this choice.

He is quite handsome, though!

Missy said...

Good luck with your decision. Let us know what you decide.

ICLW